“I am now ready to be a wealth adviser.” With reference to an article I wrote in 2021, my ‘one day’ has come.
Since my husband and I got married in 2016, our life together has been one of constant change, moving from Malaysia to Singapore, then to Qatar, and finally back to Singapore for good last year. Living in Qatar for four and a half years was a truly enriching experience but deciding on a place to settle and call home feels even more fulfilling.
My husband and I in Qatar, 2021
As I reflect on this journey, I realise how crucial the deep conversations we shared have been in guiding each of our decisions. Our path was filled with moments of joy, sadness, and everything in between. But through it all, I am grateful that we always communicated openly and supported each other.
The first move to Singapore in 2017 was a relatively easier decision we made, although not without its challenges. My husband had been offered a new job with better career prospects, while I was still in a junior position. We discussed the situation at length, weighing the pros and cons, especially since I was also on track to pursue my own career goals at the time. Even then, we both knew that this move was more than just career-driven, it was about building our future together.
The second move to Qatar in 2019, however, was a much bigger life decision. We were excited by the new opportunities, but we were also mindful of the trade-offs. I left my job as an Associate Adviser at Providend, a role that had been very close to my dream. That decision still stings in some ways, but it was also a necessary step.
With my Providend colleagues in Siem Reap, Cambodia, 2019
During my career break, I was constantly reminded of my husband’s unwavering support. He would check in on me almost every day, making sure I was okay, valuing the role I played as a stay-at-home wife, and showing gratitude for even the smallest things I did for him.
Being far from home, our parents understandably worried about us in this unfamiliar part of the world. We often found ourselves praying for their well-being, as we knew our time with them was limited. Sadly, in 2022, we faced a heartbreaking loss. My mother, who was the most important person in my life, passed away. Fortunately, we had returned to Singapore for a short vacation and were able to be with our family in Melaka when they needed us most, just not in time to say a final goodbye to my dear mum.
Despite the overwhelming grief, the time we spent in the Middle East was invaluable. We have no regrets about it, as it shaped us in ways we never expected.
The most challenging decision, however, came when we were planning our return to Singapore last year. After living in Qatar and experiencing the high quality of life there, we had different thoughts about whether it was the right time to come back. My husband was thriving in his career, while I was eager to return and continue pursuing my professional goals with Providend. This led to many difficult conversations, where we explored all our options: Should we stay in Qatar? Should we return together? Or should we separate temporarily, with me coming back first while he stayed for a few more years?
In the end, we decided to return to Singapore together. The trade-off was that my husband returned without a job, which posed a real challenge. While we knew we could sustain ourselves financially for a period, we understood that the loss of the purpose he found in his career would be a tough adjustment. The roles are now reversed for us, but what I have learnt along the way is that our bond has only grown stronger. Together, we have made decisions that have tested us, but they have also made us closer – as best friends, partners, and family.
Now, I have a fulfilling career here at Providend, and every day, I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to connect with clients who, like me, are on their own journey toward clarity and fulfillment. Helping them uncover what truly matters in their lives and guiding them toward achieving those dreams fills me with purpose and pride. It’s not just about financial planning—it’s about being part of something much bigger: the people and the moments that shape their stories. It is a process I am deeply passionate about, because only by understanding what their ideal life looks like can we help them plan and allocate their resources in a way that enables them to live it.
With my Providend colleagues during Chinese New Year, 2025
Looking back, I realise that every step of this journey—from Malaysia to Singapore, then Qatar, and back to Singapore—has been a lesson in what truly matters. It’s about having the courage to make tough decisions, to adjust when necessary, and to trust in the process. The deep, meaningful conversations I’ve had along the way, whether with my husband, my family, or my clients, have shaped who I am today. And now, at Providend, I see that the values we hold close—clarity, purpose, and holistic planning—are more than just ideals. They are the heart of what drives me every single day.
Every morning now, I wake up with a sense of gratitude, knowing that I’m part of a team that believes in helping people lead fulfilling lives—not just financially, but holistically. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. And I am thankful for what brought me to Providend, a place where I can confidently say: I am now ready to be a wealth adviser, as my journey continues to unfold before me.
This is an original article written by Loi Jia Ling, currently our Client Adviser at Providend, the first fee-only wealth advisory firm in Southeast Asia and a leading wealth advisory firm in Asia.
For more related resources, check out:
1. Joyce Chng: Finding My Purpose in Providend
2. Zhi Han: Here’s Why I Broke My Bond and Joined Providend
3. Alvin Neo: From Protecting His Own Family to Safeguarding His Clients’ Families
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