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A Day in the Life of – Caroline Cartmell

Caroline Cartmell tells us about a typical day in her role as Product Desk Manager at Primis Mortgage Network, and maintaining a healthy work/life balance...

I work within the Propositions team and head up our Experts Desk. We are a team of six and assist our brokers with difficult to place mortgage or protection cases and help with any ancillary products and sourcing systems.

What does your morning routine look like? 

Normally I’m at my desk by 8.30am and mainly work from our Head Office in Solihull. Mornings are a little easier now my 17 year old son has passed his driving test and drives himself to college!

What does a typical afternoon look like?

Afternoons are for finishing off emails and catching up after any morning meetings. Working in the office does mean you tend to take a regular break, and we are lucky to have our office on a lovely business park, where you can walk around the lake and step away from your desk for a little while.

What do you find to be your most productive time of the day?

Mornings are normally the most productive, with time to plan your day and clear any previous emails from the night before. This is when we tend to have any lender or provider meetings before lunch. It’s also time to make a to do list for the day.

How do you manage your time to ensure you have a good work / life / home balance?

Our office is now fully refurbed and open, so we’re encouraged to work from the office. We do have the flexibility to work from home if required and this can help have the right home/work balance. I find you do have to switch off and set a time when you are going to finish, especially if you are working from home, as its easy to end up working later than you think and just do one more email. Before you know it, its 7pm and you are still tapping away on the keyboard!

What is your favourite part of your working day in your role?

It’s the people that make the job so enjoyable, no two days are the same. In my role you interact with advisers, providers and lenders and a range of colleagues from different departments within the company. There are so many great people within this industry. I particularly enjoy engaging with our PRIMIS advisers, it’s rewarding to help them find the right solution for their customers and, with a broad panel, there’s usually a solution for even the most challenging situations.

What does a typical dinner time look like in your household?

Having recently rejoined the gym in the evenings, mid-week meals now have to be quick so I’m starting to plan for the week and prep ahead to make this easier. I enjoy cooking a range of different meals and it’s nice to have a weekend to spend that bit longer on something special.

What do you do to unwind?

Holidays! I love travelling whether in this country or abroad. I also enjoy walking, yoga and generally being with friends and family (hopefully with a gin and tonic in hand)!

If you could give one piece of career advice what would it be?

It’s ok to be nervous. It just means you care, don’t be afraid to just go for it!

How important has your support network been in helping you through your role?

I have the best team around me in Propositions. We all work together and the guidance of my director is amazing, she’s always believed in me and pushes me. I am very fortunate to have a great network for support and for opportunities to succeed.

Does your job require a degree?

No. I left college after completing my A-Levels and worked in Estate Agency before joining Personal Touch and then PRIMIS – I have worked for the brands for 20 years. There are plenty of opportunities to grow within the Network, and I completed an apprenticeship in leadership and management a couple of years ago – so you are never to old to try something new!