Real Estate Entries: Achieving Personal and Financial autonomy

Choosing a different path

Changing careers, like all transitions, is a very personal experience. What seems difficult to you could be very easy for another person, and unexpected circumstances can derail the best of plans. Focusing on building a path for yourself is a process that may take some time, but will be worth it in the end. 

For most people working in a well-paying corporate job, a career switch might not be on their mind. But for Marcus, it was not a question of stability, but freedom. Here is his story. 

Marcus started out as a part time-agent, while working in a large Japanese firm. It was not an easy path, but he stuck it out, committed and is currently thriving. He is married with a 17-year-old son.

What made you pursue a career in real estate.

I saw my childhood primary school mate doing well so I thought I would join him hence I went to take my RES licence in 2009/2010. I was lucky that the exams back then were not as difficult as they are today. 

What was your job before this 

I was with one of the largest Japanese companies,  specialising in consumer cameras and industrial equipment from 2008 till 2019. I got the position 3 months before my departure from the Republic of Singapore Airforce in 2008. I started my new job the very next day after my ORD without a break.

From a young age, Marcus saw the importance of chasing after what you wanted, this proved to be useful later in life as well. 

Describe your experience as a part-time real estate agent 

Being a part-time agent meant having to juggle my viewings and training with my full-time job.

It was really challenging as I solely relied on referrals as I could not openly tell the world that I was a property agent as moonlighting is considered taboo. 

As a property agent, your network is incredibly important, but not as important as having the right mentor. 

What were the difficulties as someone doing it on the side?

Being a secret agent is never easy. On one hand, you want everyone to know but on the other hand, you don’t want people to find out. How contradictory right? 

Although there was no conflict of interest between property and my full-time job, I had my own set of principles. I did not reveal to any of my customers that I was doing property on a part-time basis and neither did I use my official working hours to conduct my real-estate job. If there are any property-related activities required, I would use my own annual leave for that matter.

Why did you leave your company? 

By 2019, the company went through a huge change. Unfortunately, it was not the change that resonated well with me. With a challenging and demanding boss, I felt it was time for me to move on. It was a “Now or Never” situation. I was in my comfort zone, staying on for good 11 years). I finally left my full-time job in March 2019.

How has joining BCD helped you achieve your goals? 

BCD is a small and closely knitted division unlike the bigger divisions out there. Personally, I feel that Benson was able to focus and spend more time with the team-mates. With his guidance and support, I was able to achieve $200k in 2020. 

As mentioned before, a career in real estate is not something that has structure and guaranteed progression. You determine what you want to do, and what you want to make happen. It can be both a blessing and a curse- on one hand, you get to have full control, on the other hand, there is a considerable amount of uncertainty. 

We understand how scary things can get, especially if you’ve never tasted self-employment before. At BCD, our focus is on you. We will make your success a priority. As always, feel free to come say hi, no strings attached.