My 9–5 Job Doesn’t Feel Like a Job

Because I love it so much

When I was a little kid around 5 to 6 years old, I always followed my mom to banks to save money. At that time, we still do it manually; over the counter. I love going to the bank. I love seeing people who work at a bank. They are elegant. When I was a kid, I was so inspired by bank tellers. They were fast when calculating money. As a kid, it was like a wow moment for me. The bank teller was my first real ambition. I always said that I want to work in a bank. That’s my dream.

As time passed by, my dream evolved to being an accountant. It was because I asked my teacher what’s the high-paying job and they answered me an accountant. So, I pursue accounting in matriculation. However, for college, I’m shocked that I get Finance instead of Accounting. To be honest, I am a bit upset. When you see your best friend get into Accounting and you don’t, it’s kinda sad. I remember googling what’s the difference between accounting and finance.

Little did I know, that’s the best thing that ever happened to me. I freaking love finance. Specifically, investment. I love learning about the stock market. It is so fascinating. Through my 4 year journey, I only learn about investment for only 1 semester and I was attracted to it. I always said that I want to work in an industry relating to the investment.

I am so lucky. My first job is as a Unit Trust Consultant where I learn about the mutual fund. A year after that, I’m working as a Junior Finance Analyst. I love it even more. From learning about the mutual fund to learning about each company stock. Only God knows how exciting this journey is. It is fascinating to me that we can get a lot of ideas about each company just by seeing the numbers; analyzing their financial statement. Being a great finance analyst is challenging and that’s my career goal.

What makes a great finance analyst different from a regular finance analyst is the great one can see beyond what a regular finance analyst can see. I mean, how amazing that is if I become one?

I feel like I’m not working. It feels more like learning. I learn something new every day. I choose which stock I want to analyze. I read annual reports. I read finance books. I love reading. When most of my working time is spent reading, how is it not great? I love researching companies. I love the process of doing the write-up for companies. It increases my knowledge about businesses, industry, etc.

My boss is also a reason why I love my job so much. When he interviewed me, he knew that I don’t have many experiences and knowledge about investment but he hired me. I learn a lot from my boss. He’s an extraordinary guy. He knows what he is doing. I love his belief in investing. More or less like my mindset as an investor. It makes him perfect as my mentor. Whenever I don’t understand something, he explained it to me in a way that I can understand. Even though sometimes, I ask so many “stupid” questions, he never pointed that it was stupid. He just answers my question and teaches me something new. That’s leadership.

Perfect. My job is perfect. I am grateful for this blessing. Waking up and doing something that excites me every day is great. Rejection is redirection. If I pursued accounting in college, I will never know my enthusiasm for finance. Some people say that working 9 to 5 is exhausting for their soul but for me, it’s not. I’m so lucky to have a job that is also my passion. Sometimes, it is not stupid following your passion.

“When you do what you love, it’s not work anymore” J. Balvin