Moving On To Pastures New
Undoubtedly the biggest decision I've made recently was leaving Swanstaff after being approached by someone (my new boss, ironically enough) regarding Mortgage Broking. Apparently it's an industry that requires a strong grasp of figures, a spoonful of empathy and buckets of charisma; naturally I'm flattered that they were recognised during a Thursday night session at the poker table!
Before I elaborate on the new job, I'd like to tip my hat to Swanstaff. Having no real previous experience in recruitment from my time with Arcadia, it was a slight risk in taking me on in the first place. Apparently winking at the interviewer wasn't the best idea on first impression but hey, a little over a year later and I'd like to think I've walked away with bridges firmly intact and a couple of friends for a long, long time. Without my time at Swan, it's safe to say I would never have the opportunities I do now; and I'll forever be grateful. If any of you are reading this - sincerely, thank you for all of your support throughout my time and I wish you all the best be it with Swan or elsewhere. Everyone in the company has the potential to be largely successful - hope you realise that.
So, after a week off I ventured off to Sidcup for my first day with Mann Countrywide. The new Regional Manager has been busy putting together a new team of Mortgage Consultants since his appointment (and return to the company) in July this year, so naturally it's an incredibly exciting time to become part of it. Most of the branches have seen different consultants split their time between branches, which in turn has led to inconsistency and a huge opportunity to make a real difference in the area dynamic. Having met two of the new starters on the back of their 5-week training programme which I'll be starting next week, its really interesting to see the various influences and backgrounds that are forming the team. Safe to say the one thing we have in common is a demanding ambition to perform and a hunger to succeed. I can't express enough how excited I am to meet the rest of the team on Thursday and start turning meetings into mortgages come November. I've set myself some financially related goals in direct correlation to my position which I won't reveal on here, but it's something positive to define my successes by.
And Re-Discovering Ventures Once Forgotten
Going back a few years, my social life was pretty entwined with my relationship - the social circle just 'fit' as a collection of couples and mates - safe to say I've had my funniest and quite frankly filthiest nights with them (anyone remember Matter at the O2? Mess...) However circumstances changed and with the ending of my relationship, the group dynamic wasn't the same and I moved on. Recently, there's been some old faces and slipping back into their company has been easier than I'd ever considered. Given more than half of them are heavily involved in fitness, weight training and the slightly more extreme, cage fighting - it's given me a new incentive, drive and ambition to really take note of something I've always preached: you can never be anyone else, forever be your best self.
In a few short months it's become somewhat a reality, the concept of joining them at Tough Mudder / Spartan Races over the next year or so. It'll be hard graft, but there's nothing more rewarding than waking up the morning after an intense session with a burning sensation running searing through your limbs, yet feeling like you can conquer whatever challenge wants to step in front of you for the day. In more ways than one I feel like I'm taking on several efforts, not to change who I am, but to improve who I am. There's nothing better than the support of those around you in doing the same - and there's never a time I don't look forward to taking on something that's quite simply, designed to break me.
Less Diary..
Ok not just yet! I planned on writing a peace about ambition, believing in yourself and making the most of opportunity but I've been ridiculously tied up with learning material relating to CeMAP, mortgages and insurances (as below.. It's a *lot* of reading) so it wouldn't get my full attention. Definitely something I've got a lot to say about though so I'll save it for next week when I haven't got an exam waiting for me in the morning!
Until then...
