At the end of the 80's, when I was still just a boy but considering my career options, there were two careers that appealed to me. Advertising was one; it was a time when the Sunday supplements had beautiful double page spread ads and when you actually looked forward to the ad breaks during the TV shows. Or Finance; the City of London, even back then seemed impressive, cool and full of excitement and mystery.
Then along came two TV shows (if you’re old enough, you might remember them too); Capital City, following the fictional lives of a group of investment bankers, and Campaign, another fictional TV show set in an advertising agency following a copywriter pitching for a prestigious account, which I think was based on the Tory Account at Saatchi & Saatchi.
Anyway, for me, advertising won – not because I thought I'd be better at it, but because – as ultra-competitive as it was – it seemed there was a clearer path to follow; junior jobs and specialist courses to give you a leg up.
So, after my first office junior job at the agency Adforce Norwich, I went back to school at Watford College under the guidance of the eccentric but exceptional Tony Cullingham (RIP Tony, we know you're watching wherever you are).
After nine months of study and countless work placements, ('doing the rounds’ as it was known), eventually came my big break: a job at Saatchi & Saatchi, working on British Airways, The National Lottery and The Army to name but a few big name clients. I'd certainly come a long way since Roy's of Wroxham and the Wilko Wise Guys, (Norwich's answer to Kwik Fit.)
I then went on to work at some of London's bigger agencies and was lucky enough to pick up many awards along the way. Travelling the world, often not really seeing much of it, eating and drinking in some of the Capitals best bars and restaurants and generally having a great time.
But I aways knew it wouldn't last. When you get to a certain age, things have a habit of starting to not go your way. So rather than being a victim of a system that spits out the more ‘mature', I decided to try something else. Still young, and hungry enough for reinvention.
After lots of conversations and research, I went full circle, coming back to my boyhood idea of a career in finance, and with a friend and a few associates working as mortgage advisors and having done my own a few times, I tapped them up for as much info as I could and thought I'd give it a go.
I'm not going to lie, it's been an absolute roller coaster! I went to Manchester to study for my CeMAP – the compulsory industry standard qualification you need before you can even look for a job. It’s largely compliance, rules and regulations – the equivalent of doing 3 A levels in two months. With certificate in hand, I turned my attention to looking for a job. But, employed or self-employed? That was the question.
Again, after taking advice, I took a full-time role based in an estate agent in Romford. Now THAT was tough, a real baptism of fire, but I learnt fast and after my first 6 months, had several cases over the line, taking me from novice to capable quickly. Every day's a school day; even experienced advisors have to learn as the industry constantly changes and shifts.
Mortgages and you
Now the dust has settled, I've become my own boss again with my company, Creative Mortgages. I'm loving the freedom, the meaningful conversations and support I get from Echo Finance, the mortgage network I belong to. It's definitely a slow burn job, you've just got to show up every day, pick the phone up and smash out the socials, which is where my advertising background has definitely come in useful.
Now, I'm offering my services to those in Creative Industries. Why? Because it takes one to know one. The highs, the lows, the insecurity of creative jobs, short-term contracts, day rates, low starting salaries for first-time buyers, only one year's worth of accounts for the self-employed, going from one job to the next, inconsistent salaries and bonuses, inside IR35, outside IR35. The list goes on...
If you’re in a creative industry, I know which lenders get you and don't get put off by unstable earnings. I have access to a whole bunch of deals you don't see on the high street. Even if you think it's impossible, chances are there's a lender out there for you. So far, I've worked with creative directors, photographers, copywriters and designers. All from worlds I understand.
The skills in my new role aren't dissimilar to my past life in advertising – problem solving, handling several projects at once, communication, presenting, telling compelling arguments... it's a cool job, and hopefully one I'll do until I no longer work.
I hope that gives you a bit of context about me, and perhaps there’s something you connect with... the point is, I have something in common with my clients because we ‘get' each other.
I'm based in East London, but open to conversations all over the country. And even if you're not looking for a mortgage right now or any time soon, at least you know who and where I am.
Email me at rworrow@echofinace.co.uk or call me on 020 3059 3302 or book in my diary directly at calendly.com. I'm here to help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ideally 2 to 3 years, but some lenders will consider 1. You might pay a bit more for this, but it can still be done.