Are you happy in the Credit/Collections Profession?

There's probably more written about "Happiness" today vs any topic at this moment. Of course, writing about anything, including this blog is one thing....but achieving something is another.   So, let me write about how I went from being very unhappy to being very happy in the Credit/Collections profession.   

 

 For me, it was all about the ability to attain control of my job,  instill pride in my team and create true accomplishments.  And,  once this happened, I worked shorter hours and spent more time with my family. This was the complete circle of happiness..professional and personal.

 

I  took a new job in 1997.  Within 12 months,  the folks who hired me and about 4 of my bosses, were all terminated.  To add to the unhappiness, my results were tanking. ,Also, via the office rumor mill....I was getting a negative reputation in some circles.   All this happened after I relocated my family....and I was the sole support of them. Talk about stress !

 

But in just a few years, I was called upon stage to accept a President's Award for outstanding accomplishments...allowing me to treat my family to a well deserved (for them) overseas vacation.

 

What created this turn around?  It was a number of things...they were:

 

1. Appealing to a trusted HR representative on coaching me on how to manage my staff and other key folks in the company.  I was able to create a social and professional network at work.
2. By not seeking permission so often.....and...I discovered I was often right. I decided not to use DSO as the prime measurement,  but a quarterly cash goal.  I gained control of my work.
3. With growing confidence....I selected a new collections software...even though my company had a collections solution built into their suite of ERP modules.  Importantly, my team decided with me that this software would improve their jobs and their happiness too.
4. I then partnered with a real pro in getting the new collections software implemented globally .....and correctly ! That "pro" is now a life long friend..and business partner.  My social network now was expanded...adding to my happiness.
5. I worked less...got more done....improvements were dramatic.  I went from being nearly miserable to very very happy.

Regrets ? Yes.....I wish I acted sooner.  Why?  I missed many dinners with my family......a deep regret of mine to this day.  So...for 2011...work less....get the right collections software working for you..

 

Much Happiness in 2011 !