In an age where career changes are increasingly common, Tom Barnes's journey from physiotherapist to a successful financial adviser is a story of determination, adaptability, and the support of St. James's Place Financial Adviser Academy. Today, as part of Barnes Wealth Management, Tom shares his experience of transitioning to a new role and the benefits he reaped from the Academy training programme.

Tom, reflecting on his previous career, says: "I had a 12 year career in physiotherapy. Having done 12 years in that kind of world, I was ready for a fresh challenge and something new to kind of get my teeth into."

Nick Barnes, founder of Barnes Wealth Management and father to Tom, shares his perspective on bringing Tom on board: "I have the professional interest in his well-being. But I also have a personal interest as well."

The Academy, as Nick explains, is about "taking somebody who has the right talents and attitude from a different world, and bringing them into our world.” He explains that the Academy is a tool that many SJP Practices use to recruit new adviser talent, bringing them up to speed and to preparing them for a different world of employment.
Drawing inspiration from his brother's career shift, Tom says, "Interestingly, my brother made a transition from primary education into financial advice a number of years ago, and I saw him go through that journey and the transformation in his life."

Tom also commends the Academy training programme itself, saying, "Throughout the Academy, I constantly had a point of reference who I could go to with concerns or questions. There were never any silly questions, which is important to me. I felt like it was a really safe space to learn."
He also highlights the significance of peer support, noting, "Another brilliant part of the Academy, of course, other than the trainers, was the peer support that you had around you."

Tom also acknowledges the importance of learning from experienced colleagues, saying, "You have people around you who know what they're doing. It's a very lonely world if you're out there on your own, trying to do everything yourself. Now, I never get a Sunday afternoon Sunday evening dread. You know, I don't dread Mondays."

Tom concludes with an encouraging message: "I think it shows that just because you're in your 30s, you're not bound to stay in the industry or role if you want to do something different. It's possible."

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