Switching from being an electrician to an asset surveyor wasn’t just a career move, it was a financial experiment. I wanted more stability, a predictable income, and the chance to focus on long-term goals like investing, debt repayment, and saving for early retirement.
The first few weeks were tough. I struggled with Excel, my dyslexia made things slower, and I even considered going back to my old job. But I pushed through, and here’s what I learned about money along the way:
- Stability isn’t just comfort, it’s strategy. Having predictable hours means I can plan my budget better and stick to my monthly £700 debt repayment without surprises.
- Time is money too. More weekends off and a work-from-home day give me the chance to research investments, listen to audiobooks, and track my ISA and pension. Audio books like Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Live on Less, Invest the Rest by Andrew Craig changed the way I think about money, and I can fit them in while driving or tidying up, which makes it practical for a busy parent.
- Books change your lens. Listening to audiobooks reminded me that wealth is built by consistent action, not flashy moves. Even when my portfolio dips, I remind myself: this is a long-term game, not a short-term race.
- The snowball method works. Dave Ramsey’s approach paying off the smallest debts first to gain momentum — really pushed me to tackle my debt. Seeing one debt disappear motivated me to keep going, and now that I’m consistently paying £700/month, I can feel the finish line getting closer every month.
- Mistakes teach valuable lessons. Lived experience and early missteps with cars and finance taught me the value of tracking numbers, planning ahead, and avoiding impulse spending.
This career switch reinforced a big lesson: financial growth isn’t just about earning more — it’s about using your time and choices wisely. Every change I make, every audiobook I listen to and every spreadsheet I update feeds directly into my money journey.
Mini Checklist: Take Your First Steps
If you want to start taking control of your money like I did, here are a few simple actions to try:
- List all your debts from smallest to largest.
- Choose a repayment method; consider the snowball method for motivation.
- Set a monthly repayment goal you can consistently hit.
- Track your progress; with a spreadsheet, app, or journal.
- Read or listen to one money book this month; even 10–15 minutes a day adds up.
- Celebrate small wins; paying off one debt is a milestone, not just the final goal.
Takeaway: Money isn’t just numbers in a bank account. It’s habits, mindset, and choices. Use practical tools like the snowball method, track your progress, and stay consistent that’s how the journey really begins.
Jack’s Money Journey 
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