At the time of year when students are finishing their studies and contemplating their futures, I wanted to share a brief article about why I am a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT).
When I joined the Insolvency community a little over 14 years ago, I was very hesitant because I believed the life of a Trustee may be monotonous and depressing. Little did I know I had found the right professional community for myself.
Not many people can say they truly enjoy what they do for a living. Not only do I love being a Licensed Insolvency Trustee, I appreciate the knowledge and perspective it has given me over the years - knowledge that I have been proud to share and use to help not only insolvency clients, but in my everyday life as well.
Recently the neighborhood where I live became very divided when it came to the replacement of our decrepit arena and pool. A lively debate emerged regarding the cost benefit analysis of having to pay more in taxes to maintain the current recreational services. Because of my experience as an LIT, I was able to fully understand and empathize with all sides of the debate, even though I personally knew where I stood on the issue. I know that it is my experience having dealt with people in many different situations that has allowed me to relate to all the different viewpoints.
I am very lucky to have a mixed practice of all varieties of engagements, whether they be personal insolvencies, SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) or larger consulting mandates. The wealth of knowledge that I have acquired simply by interacting with people from all different walks of life has, in my opinion, made me able to understand many different perspectives and appreciate the ups and downs in my own personal life.
Working with individuals at a very vulnerable time in their lives has made me deeply aware of the impact that I have on people and the help I can provide. It has also allowed me to understand the realities of families in very different situations than my own.
Working with people or companies who are looking at possibly losing a substantial amount of their revenue or capital as a creditor in a bankruptcy or proposal has also allowed me to understand the impact of my, or other people’s actions in business, on everyday life.
One of the reasons being a Trustee has been so interesting is because everyday can be different and present a new challenge to resolve. One day I may meet with 10 different individuals looking to resolve their personal financial difficulties, the next day I may be onsite to restructure or liquidate a company and the day after that, I may spend the morning or the afternoon in court!
Seeing my engagements come to completion always fills me with a sense of pride knowing that, while I may not have succeeded in coming to the “perfect” outcome, I have at least done my utmost to help everybody I have encountered and provided all the information at my disposal to allow everyone to make the best decisions for them.
To any students looking for a career that encompasses almost every facet of life, I say look at becoming a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT), and if you want to discuss, reach out to me!