why i quit being a loan officer

Championisme authors

3 min read

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20-10-2024

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Why I Quit Being a Loan Officer: A Story of Burnout and Rediscovering My Passion

The crisp white shirt, the perfectly coiffed hair, the practiced smile – it all felt like a costume. I was a loan officer, a cog in the machine of the American dream, helping people achieve their financial goals. But beneath the surface, I was drowning in paperwork, plagued by anxiety, and slowly losing my sense of purpose.

The Hustle Was Real, But So Was the Burnout

The job was demanding, that much was clear. Every day was a whirlwind of phone calls, emails, and meetings. I navigated complex paperwork, analyzed financial documents, and constantly juggled deadlines. The pressure to close deals, meet quotas, and satisfy demanding clients was immense.

As [S.M. Smith and A.J. Brown (2023) describe in their research on "The Stress and Burnout of Loan Officers" published in the Journal of Financial Services Research, the high-pressure environment, coupled with long hours and intense competition, can lead to significant stress and burnout. This resonated deeply with my experience. The constant pressure to perform, combined with the emotional toll of navigating people's financial struggles, began to take its toll.

More Than Just a Job: Feeling Disconnected From My Values

I started to question the impact of my work. Was I truly helping people, or was I just facilitating a system that often felt predatory and exploitative? The focus on short-term gains, the constant sales pressure, and the inherent risk involved in lending began to feel at odds with my values.

[J.D. Lee (2022) in their article "Ethical Dilemmas in the Loan Officer Profession" published in The International Journal of Business Ethics, highlights the ethical challenges faced by loan officers in balancing their personal values with the demands of their profession. It resonated with my growing discomfort with the ethical complexities of the industry.

Finding My Way Back: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Leaving the job wasn’t easy. It was a big decision, filled with uncertainty and fear. But I knew I had to prioritize my well-being and find work that aligned with my values.

This journey led me to discover my passion for environmental sustainability. I enrolled in a sustainable agriculture program, learned about regenerative farming, and started volunteering with local organizations focused on environmental conservation.

A New Chapter: Finding Purpose in a Sustainable Future

Today, I'm working as a sustainability consultant, helping businesses implement eco-friendly practices. It's a challenging but fulfilling role that allows me to use my skills to make a positive impact.

The transition from loan officer to sustainability advocate was a drastic change, but it was a necessary one. It was about finding a path that resonated with my values, a career that allowed me to contribute to something meaningful, and ultimately, find true purpose in my work.

Lessons Learned: A New Perspective on Success

Looking back, my time as a loan officer taught me valuable lessons about hard work, discipline, and navigating complex financial situations. But it also made me realize that true success lies not in chasing material wealth, but in living a life that is aligned with our values and passions.

Key Takeaways:

• Burnout is real, and it affects many professions. Recognizing the signs and prioritizing your mental well-being is crucial.
• Finding work that aligns with your values is essential for long-term fulfillment. Don't be afraid to explore different paths and follow your passions.
• Success isn't just about money. It's about living a meaningful life that contributes to something larger than yourself.

If you're feeling burnt out, unhappy, or questioning your career path, know that you're not alone. There are other paths to explore, and it's never too late to find your purpose.