My Journey: From Pharmacist to Financial Planner

It seemed crazy at the time, and looking back, it seems even more nuts today!

Some of you may know that I used to be a Pharmacist. In fact, I worked in the industry for over a decade.

But there came a point where I was no longer enjoying the work and felt a change in direction was needed.

After a long decision process, I decided to jump into the Financial Advice industry with the goal of becoming a Financial Adviser.

The issue was I had little experience, and no related education. I also had a young family and a mortgage to keep in mind. Many people who I met with to ask for advice (no pun intended) thought I was crazy to even consider making such a leap.

That did not deter me, and eventually I concluded that to make the jump I needed to “start at the bottom” and work my way up.

 But to do so would mean leaving the comfort and security of my work as a Pharmacist and jumping into the unknown of an industry going through enormous change on a wage much lower than I was currently earning.

 However, if there was one thing I had learned during my life, it was that life is not all about money. Work is such a large part of our lives, and our lives are too short to work in a job we are not passionate about. Yes, we need to earn enough to provide fpr those who depend on us. But if we only base our decisions on money and staying in our comfort zone, we will forever be frustrated and unfulfilled with the life we live.

This was what motivated me.

 I was also fortunate enough to have such incredible support from my wife, friends, and mentors. If it wasn’t for them, I am not sure I would have had such confidence to make the leap.

 Fast forward three and half years and I am now a registered and fully qualified Financial Adviser.

Whilst there is so much change going on in the industry, I enjoy the advice process and helping clients reach their financial goals.

 As I look back on the journey so far, I am so thankful that I took the risk to leave Pharmacy. Life is about taking risks, and unless we are willing to leave our comfort zone we will never change, and if we never change we will likely never realise our goals.