Real Estate Entries: Switching Careers And Persevering Against The Odds

RSAF Regular to Real Estate Professional

Meet Jason

From being a regular in the Singapore Air Forces to a full fledged Group Director at Propnex, Jason has had quite the journey. 

During his stint with RSAF, he had to follow strict protocols and procedures, so learning how to take charge of his own destiny was not the easiest thing to do. 

Despite the challenges he faced along the way and almost giving up in 2015, Jason stuck to his guns, pereservered, he is currently an associate group director, managing a team of 2 agents.

What do you like most about your job

Being in the real estate industry brings me a huge sense of satisfaction and achievement. I really enjoy the process of helping my clients find their dream home and playing a part in their retirement planning.  Seeing the joy and happiness on their faces when they collect the keys to their dream house or make huge capital gains from my real estate advice motivates me to work even harder and make better plans for them.

What was a low point in your life that made you want to quit

Being in this industry for 12 years, I've experienced a lot, but the hardest challenge would be coming out of a broken partnership. Back in 2015, due to some personal reasons we had to make the tough choice to end our partnership. I was very lost as both of us have been real estate partners since I started in 2009. Having to work independently was quite difficult and I even considered switching jobs. 

Why did you persevere

I realised that in order to accomplish my personal goals, I had to be determined and have the grit. Nothing worth it ever comes easy and instead of fighting the inevitability of change, I learned to accept it and embrace change. Knowing that by doing so, my life can only get better and prove to everyone that I can still be successful by working alone.

What is all your hard work for

One of the reasons is of course to provide food and shelter for my family like everyone else. Knowing that I can be a reliable source and provide a better opportunity for my family is enough motivation for me to keep going. Another reason is my commitment to my clients,  I feel responsible for every single one of my clients and I want to do whatever it takes to meet and even exceed their expectations. This job is about people and understanding that has helped me a great deal. As a result, I'm blessed to be able to generate a good stream of referral leads.

Why did you stay on with BCD for as long as you did

I knew Benson back in my Air Force days since 2003. He was the one who brought me into this industry when I left the Air Force in 2009. Benson trained and guided me when I was a newbie agent to where I am today. Without his guidance, I would most likely have already left the job.

I am one of the pioneer agents of BCD and we’ve experienced a lot of ups and downs together during these 12 years. We never ever gave up on each other and all these challenges made our relationship stronger like real brothers. Even up till now, Benson still supports and guides me whenever I encounter work or even personal problems. 

I'm really grateful for all his support and trust in me. In addition, we share some common interests and even the same birthday.

What is the best advice you can give someone

During these 12 years, I have seen a lot of agents, new or experienced, coming and leaving the industry. Some of the new agents can be really very passionate and hardworking for a few months, but the passion and fire die off in them when they cannot meet their own expectations and eventually leave.

A successful career in real estate does not become reality through luck or magic; it takes sweat, determination, perseverance and hard work. The only difference between success and failure is the ability to take action. Inaction only causes doubt and fear, whereas taking action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer your own fear, do not stay home and think about it. Go out and get busy! 

If you are looking for someone to guide you and has a passion for helping you become the best agent you can be, BCD is the place to be. Reach out to us here if you’re looking to advance your career.