Welcome back to Inside IFP – the series where I sit down with our team over a coffee and chat about their career journey. This week I sat down with Sammy. Sammy started with IFP almost a year ago on the Client Services team. After making a huge career change from bar management to financial services, Sammy shares how she’s found the transition, what she’s learned along the way and why making the leap was one of the best decisions she’s ever made.
Sammy, you’ve been with IFP for almost a year now! Looking back, was making the move the right decision?
I love it here; it’s the best thing I ever did! Don’t get me wrong, when I first jumped, I was really nervous because it’s been a complete career change. I thought “I hope I’ve done the right thing here”, but I’m so glad I did it. I have enjoyed the change and taking on a new challenge.
What initially made you apply for a role here?
There’s a few things. I know Chloe, who works here, and she spoke very highly of the company, working environment and things like that. And really, the biggest thing was I wanted a better work-life balance. I feel 100% that I’ve now got that for me and my family.
Your background was a bar manager. Moving to financial services is quite a big change! How have you found the transition?
I won’t lie, it was a massive change. At first, I was so overwhelmed; it felt like there was a lot of jargon. And even moving from a bar to an office environment is a completely different dynamic, so I was nervous about that. I loved my old job and the people I worked alongside; I was worried that I wouldn’t build the same bonds and friendships, but I have. The team is great. Everyone is so supportive and understanding and I think having them on my side really helped the transition.
Did you have a training plan in place?
Yeah, it’s a 12-month training plan, but it’s broken down into 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. I had Anita assigned to me, who is always on hand for any help and assistance guiding you through it all. So, it’s actually really easy once it’s all broken down, but if you look at it as a whole it can feel quite overwhelming.
Have you developed any new skills since starting?
Loads! I’ve learned so much about the financial world, and not only just for work, but things to apply to my home life as well. I have a little boy and I’ve picked up so much that I can use for his financial future. And I ask Charlie random questions all the time that he’s always happy to answer. I’ve definitely had a lot more skills gained from coming to IFP!
You mentioned Chloe told you to apply, so I imagine you had an idea of what it was like at IFP before you started. Is the role/IFP what you expected?
And more, 100%! I came from a job where I worked long hours, there wasn’t much flexibility and it involved weekends. I was on my feet for 12 hours at a time, so it was hard. Then Chloe was talking about IFP and I thought it sounded a bit too good to be true, if I’m honest. And I think you do hear a lot of companies selling you a story and it not being what they said when you get there, but at IFP it’s all of that and more. The work life balance is top for me, and all the added benefits.
You’ve recently joined the Wellbeing Team! Why did you decide to join?
I love helping other people. It’s probably both my biggest strength and weakness at the same time. I’m such a people pleaser and I feel like this is an avenue where I can satisfy that need to help everybody, but within a controlled environment where I’m not just saying yes to everything. I get the pleasure of helping people and doing things, so I think it’s a personal thing as much as a work thing.
Is there anything particular that you’re most excited to be involved with?
I think just the little things that you do in the office that give people a smile and a pick me up. Like Lauren’s handmade flowers on everyone’s desk on Valentine’s Day.
You mentioned work-life balance a few times. Has there been a particular moment where you’ve really felt a difference?
I love the fact that we close over Christmas. Again, at my old job I worked every Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year, with just a couple of days off in between. But now my son is 4, I feel like we’re at prime Christmas time. Last Christmas was my first year with IFP and it was so special to have that quality time with him and actually see every single moment, rather than grasping an hour in the morning or before bed. I just got to watch the whole day unfold; no rushing, no nothing.
This year, I’ve booked annual leave for when my son breaks off, so for the first time since maternity leave, we’re going to have a full 2 weeks together as a family, and we get Christmas!
That’s so special, Sammy. It’s great that you’ve gained the flexibility to make those memories at home. Do you have a most memorable moment in the office over the past 12 months?
I think I have a few. Passing probation was definitely a big one. All the CS team went for a meal together to celebrate, which was really nice. I really enjoyed team building day, I’ve never had that before. Then a funny one – me and Caitlin were talking about my cat in the office. I was explaining how she’s really vocal and I meowed right as the whole office went silent, everyone turned and looked at me. It’s become my ‘iconic moment’!
I can’t believe I missed you meowing! The only downside of working from home. Are there any client memories that stand out for you yet?
It sounds really sad, but a client lost his mum, and we had quite a long conversation. It wasn’t even about financial planning, just letting him talk about things and say how he was feeling. Having also lost my mum, I felt like I could really communicate and resonate with how he was feeling. I think things like that create bonds and connections.
Yeah definitely, just giving people the time of day.
I think that’s what’s nice about IFP. You are given the time to give clients the extras. It’s not just: book a meeting, send an email, do that. If they need time, we can give them that time.
That’s really sweet. Is there anything you’d wish you’d known before joining?
If I could go back and talk to myself on my first day, I would say that it will feel really overwhelming and there’ll be a lot of stuff that you won’t know. But, that everybody senses that and has felt that. The whole team knows exactly how you’re feeling and not to worry about it. I wish I could be like “you’ve got this and you’ll be absolutely fine. It’s not as scary as you think it’s going to be”.
If someone was considering applying for a role with us, what advice would you give them?
Do it. Absolutely jump. It’s the best thing you’ll ever do; the grass is 100% greener!
I’ve just got my quick-fire questions before you go!
Describe IFP in 3 words or less – Fun, welcoming, collaborative.
Tea or coffee? Tea, if you can call my weak version that!
Office or remote? Office.
Early start or late finish? Early.
Quick lunch or long lunch? Quick.
Smarter or more casual style? More casual.
If Sammy’s career change has inspired you to make your own, head to our Careers Page to see our current vacancies. See you next time for another edition of Inside IFP!
