Barry O'Neill: The next chapter awaits

Over the years, I have authored many articles, or blogs as we call them now, on how to retire with the lifestyle of your dreams. When I wrote them, the day of my own retirement seemed too far on the horizon to contemplate. But time waits for no one, and as I hurtle towards my final day with Carbon, I can reflect fondly on my 41-year career in financial services.

Having left school as a fresh-faced 17-year-old to join TSB as a bank clerk, I completed my Chartered Institute of Banking exams but realised that the traditional hierarchical structure of banking was not for me, so I sought a new challenge as a financial adviser with what was then General Accident.

Although this was in 1990, when the ‘direct sales’ culture was still alive and well, I matured into the role and developed some of the people skills that would go on to serve me well within the emerging profession of financial planning.

Having been made redundant by Aviva in 2003 during one of their many restructures, I sought the advice of a colleague who ran the team of IFA Broker Consultants in Aberdeen. I asked him which was the best IFA firm in his patch, and he instantly said Thomson Shepherd Ltd in Perth. A couple of meetings with Gordon Wilson later, I was a trainee Independent Financial Adviser at TSL, which would later become Carbon.

I can honestly say that the past 4 decades have been hugely enjoyable and have passed in a flash. I have worked with some incredibly talented and committed professionals, both internally, and from within our trusted partners. The fast-moving pace of change in a regulated financial services business means that every day has been a school day, often with new challenges to overcome. Thanks also go to my wife, Caroline, and daughters Sophie & Lucy, who have been a huge source of comfort and support over the years, and I look forward to being able to spend more time with them.

If someone were to ask me what my proudest achievement is in business, the answer is easy. The introduction of our evidence-based investment philosophy in 2008 was a real turning point for the business but playing a part in helping to make Carbon one of the very best financial planning firms in the UK eclipses everything else.

I leave in the knowledge that the team at Carbon is the strongest it has ever been, so our clients are in exceptionally good hands and will continue to receive the advice and counsel they need to help them live rich and fulfilling lives. I am about to find out exactly what it is like from the other side as I become a client myself.

As for the next chapter, it is only in draft at the moment, but I can give you a plot spoiler. My ‘bucket list’ is extensive and contains lots of travel, some of which will be to attend gigs/sporting events in Europe or further afield. I also intend to continue the ‘every day is a school day’ ethos, as I am (re) learning French, learning to play piano, all whilst continuing my football administration role at Montrose FC and helping my ageing parents.

I would like to finish by saying a big thank you to all of the amazing inspirational people I have worked alongside in my career, you helped make me what I am today. I feel incredibly lucky to have been able to ‘live the dream’ during my working life and intend to continue doing so in retirement. Bonne chance et au revoir!