Sometimes the best time to catch people is when they are in between jobs. Recently I met up with an ex colleague who finally had time to meet up.

I am more open about being a Real Estate agent and I even made it official by updating my LinkedIn profile and publicise to my network.

“Oh I didn’t know you are an agent or I would have asked you to help,” said my young in between job friend.

“No worries,” I said.

Not telling people what I do only cost me a 100K worth of commission this time. 🥲

I kept thinking the rite of passage of Singaporeans is getting a subsidised flat before they get married. I forgot I actually know people that don’t qualify to get a subsidised flat because their income is considered too high and have to purchase private housing.

We all have that humble and rich friend we never thought of.

When I obtained my license in 2017 after being retrenched in 2016, I did not dare tell people what I was up to. Family planning, flexible hours, etc. I didn’t know what and how to tell people I am still a licensed agent after going back to full time work when baby plans did not work out. I was afraid of what people may think. Why was I even worried about what others think in the first place?

Silly me. I was in HR with lots of contacts. Anyone relocating to Singapore will need the service of a Real Estate agent.

“It’s ok. Please keep me in mind for your next property purchase or rental,” I said.

I admit I thought real estate agents were a bunch of uneducated people who can’t find a stable job and pushy money suckers who are out to make a quick sale (maybe some are).

Then I became one myself and saw how hard these people work and had newfound respect for salespeople and the job requirements. I think it is more tough being a financial advisor.

I may never earn millions of dollars of commission from this job but I know it gives me a great amount of flexibility to be with my attention demanding child.

Never mind, it is just one sale. It’s not meant to be I guess. 来日方长。Next time then.