This content is a collaboration piece with Manulife Singapore.

If you had asked me a few years ago whether I considered myself successful, I would have said yes without hesitation.

I was a Singapore national athlete and I had turned my passion into a career by starting my own coaching academy. The business was doing well, we were comfortable financially, and I had a wonderful family. From the outside, it probably looked like I had everything figured out.

But there was a problem. I was hardly around to enjoy any of it.

I was in other people’s opinion, living my dream job

Running a business took up most of my time. My weekdays were spent managing the business andrunning all the daily requirements, while evenings were spent coaching. Weekends were often my busiest days.I was almost working every day.

I never really complained because I genuinely loved what I did. I was proud of the business I had built and grateful that it allowed me to do something meaningful while providing for my family.

But over time, I started to notice what I was missing. Family gatherings, my children’s activities, and all the little moments in between. At the time, I told myself it was temporary and I can always be there for them next time.

The turning point came when my family was discussing a holiday trip, and one of my children casually said:"Daddy probably won't be coming. Daddy is always working."

They weren't upset or complaining. They said it simply as a fact. For some reason, that stayed with me. What bothered me was realising that my children had already adjusted to my absence.

Around that time, I also found myself paying closer attention to my wife's career as a financial consultant. What stood out wasn't just the flexibility she had or the fact that she could be more present for our children. It was how much purpose she seemed to find in her work. She genuinely enjoyed helping people make important decisions about their future, and it showed.

I was figuring outa way to adjust my work so that I could spend more time with my family. Because of the dedication required for the coaching business, it was hard for me to create the work life balance I wanted even if I tried.

It was risky to start all over again from scratch

I had spent years building my coaching business, and a large part of my identity was tied to it. Starting over felt risky. I worried about giving up something stable, learning an entirely new profession, and disappointing the people around me. When I mentioned the idea to others, some thought I was crazy. From their perspective, I already had the career many people would want.

But the more I thought about it, the more I realised I wasn't considering a change because I disliked coaching. I still loved it. What had changed were my priorities. 

SoI started doing my research. I spoke to other financial consultants, learned more about the industry, and took the time to understand what the role actually involved before making any decisions.

The transition wasn't easy. There was a steep learning curve, and I had to build new skills, networks, and relationships from scratch. But slowly, I started to gain something that had been missing for a long time. 

I chose the career path that keeps my life balanced

I could attend more school events. I could join family holidays without constantly worrying about work. I could be more present in my children's lives. At the same time, I found a different kind of fulfilment in helping clients plan for retirement, protect their families, and prepare for their children's future.

Today, I still work hard. The difference is that I have more control over how and when I work.

Looking back, that brief conversation with my children didn't just change my career path. It changed what success meant to me.

Content created in partnership with Manulife Singapore

Looking for a career with more flexibility and purpose?

​

A career in financial planning isn't just about sales or numbers. It's about helping people make confident financial decisions while building a practice that fits your goals and lifestyle.

Whether you're exploring a mid-career switch or looking for greater flexibility, fulfilment, and income potential, discover what a career in financial advisory could look like with Manulife Singapore.

Ready to explore a career in financial advisory?

Email [email protected] with the header “TSS x Manulife” to learn more on how you can unlock a joining bonus up to $2,250!*

​

*Terms and Conditions apply.