Just like many people, we dreamt of migrating to Canada. Our goal was to provide a better life for our family. It was in December 2008 that God answered our prayers. I boarded a plane and landed in Saskatoon (which has now become our home). Three short months later, my wife and daughter joined me. The following year, our second daughter was born. Though I was a licensed Mechanical Engineer back in the Philippines, it was my skilled experience as a Machinist that made coming to Canada possible. My wife Gina was a University Professor in one of the most prestigious universities in the Philippines. To us, this was the start of a better life.
In our early years in Canada, I could say we were doing well financially. My wife and I both had full time jobs – I, as a Gear Machinist and she in a full-time office position while having another part-time job. That pretty much seemed to be a norm in Canada. Working full-time jobs, maybe a part-time here and there. However, I realized I was missing out on many things. I had long night shifts and since my job required me to handle large machines, some projects could be up and running 24/7 and so there was a need for them to be monitored. I was able to have a few hours with my family on weekends. Though the pay was excellent, which I was grateful for, I felt as if I was not contributing much to my daughters’ upbringing because of work. This always kept me thinking. (Related: Add Value)
Gina Ecijan (Left) & Francis Ecijan (Right) with two children
I had a career change in March 2012. I thought maybe this could be better. I started working for the City of Saskatoon as an Engineering Technician/Surveyor. My wife studied to become a real estate professional then. I now had a day job and little more time with my family. I was happy; it was an improvement. However, the drawback was that it was a seasonal job and the pay was a lot less than what I used to earn as a Machinist. I was employed only from mid April to end of November. The rest of the year, I was on EI. But I made good use of my EI period. In 2013, I studied to become a Mortgage Broker in order to complement my wife’s career as a Real Estate Agent. In that very same year, the Greatway opportunity was shared to me, but I respectfully declined. In hindsight, it was one of my biggest regrets. The good thing is that there is always a second chance and we took it the following year.
My wife and I were amazed at the strategy Greatway Financial had. It was an obvious fit for our family. We believed the plan was so good, we had to share it to our family and friends. And so, during my lay-off period in 2014, I studied LLQP and passed - all in a three-week period. Some of them even became business owners like us! (Related: We All Have The Power To Choose)
In my first year of becoming a life licensed advisor, I made $20,000 on my first year, part-time. I realized it was a good part time income. I figured that since I am a licensed advisor on top of being a Mortgage Associate, I can choose not to go back to my full-time job. And so, I sent my resignation to the City of Saskatoon to become a full time Mortgage Associate and part-time Financial Advisor. As I gained more experience as an advisor, I earned an average of around $50,000-$60,000 per year, while still doing it on a part-time basis. And then we thought maybe it was time for us to commit. What more can we earn if we did this full-time? In the later part of 2017, my wife and I decided to do this together.
I realized this career was not only financially rewarding but most importantly, it helped changed our mindset.
As a result, we were able to qualify for the amazing Greatway Financial incentives along the way. Trips like the Mediterranean Cruise, Caribbean Cruise, and even to Hawaii! We even reached the milestone of our first $100k earning! Just recently, we were promoted to the Senior Vice President level! On top of it all, we were able to achieve time freedom. We were able to give our daughters the gift of travel and time. We were able to experience the world together. Greatway Financial became the platform for change. (Related: It’s Not Just About Money)
I realized this career was not only financially rewarding but most importantly, it helped changed our mindset. We were able to maintain the equivalent income that we had in our previous career, in fact, even more in a shorter time. The personal development coaching that our mentors provide us with are the very tools we need to step up our game, not only in our careers but also in our everyday lives. We have more time for family, friends, and our extended family in Greatway Financial! More happiness in life, more blessings to share and enjoy. (Related: If We Know Something Good, We Needed To Share It)
Life can be great, but only if you decide it to be. Therefore, we encourage everyone to assess his current situation. If whatever you are doing right now does not help reach your dreams, then do not settle! Life is short and you only live once. There is no growth in comfort. Keep moving forward and make improvements every day. Success is awarded to those who are willing to pay the price. We all have the power to choose. We all have the choice to make our lives better. There will be obstacles and rejections, but the good news is, it is still doable. A great leader once said, “Holding a certain position is not just a title. It reflects the many lives we have helped.” This is a resounding truth to us. We migrated to Canada and sacrificed many things to have a better life for our family. We understand many people are in that situation. It is now our mission to continue to help as many families reach their dreams. (Related: We Should be A Vessel of Change)
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