A different career path

Yesterday, my boss and I were talking about my sales career and I joked – “I did not choose Sales, Sales chose me. “

Upon reflection, that felt true. I never thought I would end up in sales. I grew up thinking I was going to be in finance/accounting because my dad planted that ambition in me since I was 5 years old. I went on to complete my ACCA & CFA and was on track.

Yet, I stumbled upon Sales in a P&G business challenge. I was inspired by the sales director who spoke about the skill sets I would gain & how I could “own the business” by joining sales. He did a great job selling the function and I was sold.

I decided to take a leap of faith and joined sales.

I would like to say that since that day, I embarked on my sales career and never looked back. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. I had doubts.  

I doubted if I made the right decision, especially in the early days when I had to make sales call with nasty buyers and arrange stocks in warehouse filled with rats. Why did I study so much to be scolded in a dirty smelly store?

I doubted myself when I see friends joining Big 4, embarking on a career in auditing & tax consultancy.

I doubted if I had what it takes to thrive in one of the largest FMCG company, especially in sales when I was known to be a huge nerd back in school.

Yet, I gave it my all. I dove in and got my hands dirty. I thought I would leave my sales career after 2 years, yet, I stayed on for more than a decade.

From traditional trade to modern retail; From frontline sales to strategic planning – I did it.

Today, I am the Head of Category Strategy & Development team for KC and moving on to a new role spearheading Sales Capability soon. Beyond professional growth, it was a journey of personal growth.

It may seem like a “wrong path” when I decided to let go of my accountancy & finance career. Yet, looking back, I have no regrets and I am grateful that I gave myself a chance.

Sometimes, you have to lean in and take a leap of faith, be it a career path change or a role change. After taking that leap, don’t expect that all the doubts and fears will be gone. They will be there with you as you journey on. My lesson is that being afraid or doubtful when things are new and uncertain doesn’t mean that you made the wrong decision nor can’t thrive. You can do it afraid and keep learning.

The important thing is, you need a support system. 

When I am down, I have my work brothers & sisters. When I need guidance, I have trusted managers & mentors. When I feel stuck, I have my coach. You don’t have to do it alone. Yet, you also cannot wait for support to come. You have to create them.

No matter what you chose as your career, or which career chose you -  you can make it a beautiful one.

PS: If you are experiencing self-doubt in your career and want to thrive with more confidence & ease, I am here to support you. Drop me a DM! I have two 1:1 coaching spots opening in October. Trust me, having the right support makes a world of difference.