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Veronica Tan - Mid Career Switch To Real Estate
- Vivian Chong
- May 11
- 12 min read
Updated: May 25
In this inspiring third episode of the Her Bold Moves Podcast, we sit down with Veronica Tan, a woman who dared to make a bold career pivot — and hasn’t looked back since.
Before stepping into the world of real estate, Veron was thriving as a Senior Marketing Manager in the logistics industry. Her career was steady, her experience deep — yet something within her was stirring.
In 2022, she made a brave decision: she joined us part-time as a real estate agent. Fast forward to today: she has converted to a full-time realtor and is doing well in the field.
Viv: You joined us in 2022. Can you share with us what you were doing before becoming a real estate agent?
Veron: I first started my career in advertising and social media, then I moved over to the corporate side, working in the marketing arm of a pharmaceutical MNCs, before actually moving to logistics. This change in my career to real estate, hopefully will be my last one.
Viv: You first joined us as a part time agent in 2022, before transiting to full time realtor in 2024. What were your considerations then?
Veron: Initially, I wanted to work full-time, but I realized I wasn't financially prepared in terms of cash flow and liquidity. So I spent about two years learning more about the industry while keeping my full-time job. During this time, I took courses and got to know the team and the industry better. This preparation allowed me to feel ready to transition to full-time work without a fallback plan, which was important for me.
Viv: You showed great bravery. When I entered the real estate industry at the age of 26, it was easier for me since I didn't have significant financial obligations and was single. In contrast, your opportunity cost is much higher, so I truly admire your courage for taking the leap to join full time.
Viv: You've invested around 20 years building your career in the corporate industry, and from my perspective, you've achieved a very successful career. So, what prompted you to leave it all behind and made the mid career switch to real estate?
Veron: You mentioned opportunity costs. At this stage in my life, being in my early 40s, the opportunity cost of not pursuing something different is even greater.
In the corporate world, there's often an invisible ceiling as you approach your late 40s and 50s.
By this stage, you should have achieved a particular level or established sufficient connections. Advancing further becomes difficult. You become expensive for the company, making you more vulnerable to layoffs. Additionally, you're more likely to be affected by restructuring, and securing a similar position with equivalent pay at other companies is challenging.
Looking at my five-year plan, I don't want to continue playing the corporate game.
Viv: When I speak with individuals contemplating a mid-career transition to real estate, one of their motivations is often the pursuit of work-life balance. Attaining this balance in Singapore can be particularly difficult, especially for those in corporate positions.
Veron: In the corporate world, the concept of work-life balance isn't emphasized as much; instead, it's more about work-life incorporation.
Especially after COVID, there's been a shift. Previously, working from home was more common, but now many are required to return to the office, with some departments mandating five days a week. This can be challenging, particularly for mothers trying to spend time with their children and manage their schedules better.
Additionally, there are many late-night calls, although there's less travel, which I appreciate about my job. However, it means handling overseas calls late into the evening, sometimes until 10 or 11 pm.
Viv: You began your career in the advertising industry, moved to the pharmaceutical and logistics sectors, and are now in real estate. What draws you to the real estate field?
Veron: Real estate is quite similar to my previous work because both involve enhancing the value of our clients' lives, whether in logistics or pharmaceuticals. Coming from a commercial background, I've found that many of the skills I've acquired can be effectively used to assist my clients.
I first learned about real estate by watching "Selling Sunset," which really inspired me. It was during the COVID period, and since I enjoy taking courses, I decided to enrol in one.
Honestly, I bought my first house without really knowing what to look for, unaware of the necessary checkpoints or advancements. I just wanted to move out of my parents' house.
Over time, I realized there are many aspects of real estate that people are unaware of, yet these are crucial for building wealth or a retirement plan. I appreciate how the industry allows me to add real value to clients, which is why I find it a meaningful career that I hope to pursue for a long time.
Viv: Do you have the fear of not making it in this industry?
Veron: To be honest, many people think about what can I stand to to lose? But you should think about what you can stand to gain.
In certain stages of life, such as early in your career, you work hard to learn and develop skills. However, at my current stage, I believe it's essential to work for yourself.
I still work hard, but now I evaluate the cost per hour of my efforts and the value I receive in return. This value is much greater than in a corporate job where you might spend time on administrative tasks or inefficient activities.
You realize that despite working hard, these efforts may not significantly advance your goals, or you question if those goals are truly worthwhile since they are often dictated by your boss. Therefore, dedicating hard hours to meaningful work is truly worthwhile and deserving of your effort.
Viv: I recall when I first met you, it was through Zoom. During that half-hour meeting, I noticed your confidence. I had a feeling you would succeed here.
As I got to know you, I was impressed by how driven you are. Although you claim not to be, you are indeed very disciplined. Recently, you revealed another side of yourself—the determination to never give up.
Viv: You've been here for three years. What challenges have you encountered during this time? Specifically, what difficulties did you face when you first began?
Veron: Firstly, it would be to get your family and friends to support and believe in you.
Viv: I agree. It's especially difficult to garner support in this profession, particularly for us property agents, as there's a widespread misconception that agents aren't well-educated. However, nowadays, we see many highly qualified real estate agents. To pass the RES exam is also a challenge!
Veron: When I first started out, I told my mom, "Mommy, I got my real estate license." Her reaction was, "Why?" My dad also needed some time to adjust to the idea.
Honestly, when I left my previous job, I didn't tell many of my colleagues that I was transitioning to real estate. I kept it quiet for a while, but I did share the news with a close group of colleagues. When I told them I was moving into real estate, their reaction was very quiet; they didn't say anything. It seemed like they weren't prepared for the news.
At that moment, I felt like they might not think I was suitable for the industry. It wasn't disheartening, but it was feedback I took into account.
You might encounter similar reactions when you talk to or prospect your contacts. Ultimately, it's important to move past it and not let it affect you too much.
Also in this industry, there will always be ups and downs. It's important to appreciate the high points and treat the low points as learning experiences to move forward. I believe there are two sides to this situation: your friends, family, and former coworkers know your style well, but they also recognize your lack of experience.
Fortunately, I've been lucky to have a lot of support from former colleagues and friends. Many of my clients are actually former colleagues from the companies I've worked with. This has been both beneficial and challenging, but overall, it has helped me.
Veron: Secondly, it's the fear of approaching people.
Viv: Let me share a story I heard from someone with extensive industry experience. This individual was once a VP at a multinational corporation before transitioning to a full-time real estate agent. During a talk he gave, something that really struck me was his account of the biggest challenge he faced after his mid-career change.
As a VP, people sought him out, but in real estate, he had to actively seek out sales through door knocking and hyping etc. This shift was his greatest challenge.
Do you find this difficult, given your successful corporate background?
Veron: Definitely! But I think first you must be motivated.
Approaching someone you don't know can be challenging, and having thick skin is definitely necessary. In this industry, it's important to develop resilience over time. Initially, you might not feel confident, but with more successes and the support of a great team and a mentor like you, you can learn and grow.
Having a support network is crucial. I believe colleagues and bosses play a vital role in any job, and I'm grateful to have found a supportive team.
When I first joined, it was overwhelming because the real estate industry is quite different from corporate environments. For instance, there are numerous group chats. In corporate settings, everything is tracked through emails, but in real estate, constant conversations require you to discern what's important. This was challenging for me, especially since I like to keep things organized.
There are many aspects of the industry that aren't covered in textbooks or courses, and it takes time to discover your strengths and decide where to focus. It also takes time to identify who you can rely on within your team, which was essential for me.
I also noticed that in practice, things are quite different from what we learn in books.
Viv: The profession of a real estate agent, as a self-employed career, offers us considerable authority and flexibility.
Viv: I took a break from being a realtor and joined a corporate company many years ago. Honestly, that experience reinforced my decision not to work for someone else. There's just so much hierarchy involved. For example, there are so many emails cos everyone is being cc in it. And of course, the working hours is really long.
That experience made me realize how much I appreciate my career in real estate.
Veron: The great thing about real estate is that it lacks hierarchy. You have to find your own way, unlike in corporate settings where you might struggle with bureaucracy.
In corporate environments, if you question decisions, it can seem like you're overstepping. I'm quite outspoken, so if I think something isn't right, I speak up for a reason. It's not about being disrespectful or unprofessional, but about being honest, especially with clients.
When advising clients, it's important to be truthful, even if it's not what they want to hear. You need to communicate in a way that helps them understand. I value this aspect of my current role because it means adding real value by being straightforward with clients.
Real estate isn't just about buying and selling; it's about helping clients achieve their goals and dreams, whether financially or in retirement.
This makes the work meaningful to me and allows me to be authentic.
Viv: Mid-career change agents often struggle with being their own bosses, facing no set work hours or tasks. This lack of structure can cause uncertainty, especially for newcomers unsure about their duties or managing independence. How can one effectively navigate this?
Veron: I feel this depends on a few factors, like your individual circumstances and whether you're working full-time or part-time.
Personally, I believe it's essential to set a schedule similar to being in school. For instance, you might designate Monday as a rest day since most clients are typically at work then. Weekends can be reserved for viewings and prospecting. Throughout the week, allocate one day for client follow-ups, another for marketing activities, and another for pipeline planning. This serves as a basic template to help organize your time, but you should tailor it to your needs.
Additionally, there are certain times of the year when the industry is less active, providing an opportunity for a break or holiday. This isn't much different from the corporate world, where there are also peak times for sales and periods for rest. You can apply some of your corporate experience to your real estate career in this way.
Viv: There are many benefits of a mid-career change to real estate agent. As you pointed out earlier, your previous network has provided you with many deals. Additionally, your strategy of starting off as a part-timer for two years before transitioning to full-time has given you insight into the workings of the real estate industry.
Veron: I believe it's always crucial, as you mentioned, Vivian, to continuously learn new things and try different activities.
At our stage in life, it's important to focus on doing things for ourselves.
It's no longer about career advancement.
You often realize that if you're happy with what you're doing, you're more motivated to continue, and this helps you become more resilient to the ups and downs of the industry.
Ultimately, it's all up to you—you set the rules.
Viv: When comparing someone undergoing a mid-career change, who has spent time in the corporate world, to someone in their 20s with little work experience, there's a noticeable difference.
People like us, who have been in the workforce longer, tend to have a clearer understanding of what we want in life. In contrast, those who are new and just starting out have the drive, but it might take some challenges and setbacks for them to truly discover their passions.
Viv: What advice would you offer to individuals considering a mid-career change?
Veron: The first thing to consider is, what do you have to lose? If you decide to go for it, what's at stake? What's the worst that could happen?
For example, the worst case scenario is realizing real estate agent career is not for you. You can always return to a corporate job. However, if you don't try, you'll always regret not having given it a chance.
I tell all my friends who ask about being an agent that they should simply try. They often ask if they can succeed as an agent, and I encourage them to give it a shot. What's holding you back? Even if you don't end up becoming an agent, the experience and knowledge gained can be valuable for making decisions in real estate. So, just do it.
Viv: This is very true - just do it.
Recently, I spoke with someone who mentioned that a few years ago, she considered becoming a real estate agent but decided against it. Now, she's thinking about pursuing it again.
人生没有如果，只有结果和后果。
I always say that if you don't try, you'll never know. You will keep wondering what if you have try? Would you have been successful if you had taken that step? However, if you try today and it doesn't work out, at least you made the effort and can move on. That's very important.
Veron: Absolutely. I believe it's crucial to create more opportunities for yourself. Each time you say yes, you're opening certain doors, while saying no tends to close them.
Viv: One final question before we wrap up: How has your life transformed over the past nine months since you transitioned to full-time?
Veron: Firstly, I truly value having control over my time and spending more moments with my loved ones. This motivates me because every morning I wake up doing something I enjoy.
Having control over my schedule is very important to me. At this stage in my life, I don't want a nine-to-five job as it's not the best fit for me. I really appreciate the flexibility we have especially with many moms on our team working part-time or full-time. Even though my child is older now, I still value the ability to run errands or do things spontaneously without having to plan everything meticulously.
It's about having the freedom to manage my own schedule.
Viv: Alright, we have reached the end of our podcast. Thank you, Veron, for discussing your transition from a part-time to a full-time agent, and your mid-career shift to becoming a real estate agent. I'm sure your story has inspired many who are considering a similar change!
Watch the full episode of the podcast here!
Conclusion
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About 'Her Bold Moves' Podcast
In the first season of this podcast, we will invite guests from the real estate industry to share with us their lives, experiences and the bold moves they took to carve out their path in the industry.
Each episode features in-depth conversations, where we recount our personal journeys, challenges and decisions that shaped our careers.
Whether you are an aspiring real estate agent or an experienced realtor, we hope our stories can inspire you on your own journey!
Join us as we embark on this exciting exploration of lives transformed by the bold moves we take in our real estate career!
