SECOND PART OF THE INTERVIEW OF JOLIEN, YOUNG LAWYER AS CREDIT CONTROLLER (2)

Jolien Caes, young law graduate recently hired by TCM Belgium, gave us her first impressions in the previous interview. In this second part, she talks about her feelings towards debt, the collection work and her personal aspirations.

• What is your opinion of debtors? Are you afraid of going into debt yourself? Are you thrifty? Do you have any tips for saving? What do you prefer to spend your money on?

I thought people in debt didn’t pay just because they couldn’t afford it. My view is now a little more nuanced. I notice that there is sometimes a blockage for principles. Fortunately, I have not yet had a file on over-indebted people. I am more comfortable dealing with cases where it is more a question of strong heads than of means. But of course, I’m just getting started in this job, and I also take into account that some people might also prefer to suggest, out of pride, that they coud but don’t want to pay.

The word debtor has a negative connotation, but I don’t forget that these are first and foremost people, like you and me, and they are usually relieved when a solution is found. At first, my colleagues and I are kind of scarecrows, but in the medium term we’re the ones who give them a way out, so that a few debts don’t turn into a mountain of debts.

Anyone can become a debtor, for example as a result of health problems. The “fault” is not necessarily where you think it is. Poverty, for example, seems to me to be an unfortunate vicious circle that is difficult to escape. It also depends a lot on what you have seen and experienced yourself at home.

Therefore, I have always been very careful with money myself: I have always been a saver, for fear of getting into excessive debt. I would also like to buy my own house eventually. Saving is an attitude that contributes to this goal. I restrict myself, for example, on restaurants, even though I like to eat 😊. But I spend more easily on trips or activities with friends (the virus helps me save on that!). Fortunately, I do not need 5 star hotels or restaurants. If I want to buy something, I force myself to think about it. I am not an impulsive buyer. I tend to give myself a week or more to decide whether to buy or not.

• Do you see any similarities between the work of debt collectors / lawyers / bailiffs?

I see the obvious similarities. Ultimately, both intend to collect unpaid bills from creditors. So, the end goal is the same, but I see the way is different.

We are looking for an amicable solution, with minimal costs. The costs are higher via lawyers and bailiffs, especially for debtors. With us, it is “five minutes to midnight”, while with lawyers and bailiffs it is often past midnight.

The cost for the debtor is, with us, limited to the costs and interest agreed in the creditor’s terms of sales, or the law. These will often increase significantly with the intervention of other actors and their entailing legal procedures.

• What was your favourite subject during your law and management studies?

It was compensation law. It doesn’t sound exciting to everyone, but I was passionate about non-contractual liability. I love to unravel situations where both parties must defend their respective sides! It must be said that I now see similarities with the cases of creditors and debtors.

During my management studies, I took the course on “people building blocks”. It is an HR related subject that teaches you how to lead a team and motivate people. We don’t motivate people with money only, but also with recognition. Recognition of your work and earning respect for what you do. A spontaneous appreciation about your work does more than a bonus. A good salary is of course necessary, but that little extra is respect and recognition, not a bonus. Feeling that you are adding value to the business works in all situations. I suspect that debtors are also sensitive to an acknowledgement of their situation.

• What is your favourite motto in life?

Being “at ease” is a way of life appreciated by the French (as I learned during my Erasmus in Lyon), but I cannot say that this is what thrills me most.

I try to treat people the way I want to be treated myself. This principle is almost my motto in life, I think. I always try to be correct with everyone, but I keep my own limits. Extending these limits has been and remains my development trail.

Thanks Jolien!

Questions ? Contact us!

SECOND PART OF THE INTERVIEW OF JOLIEN, YOUNG LAWYER AS CREDIT CONTROLLER (2)

Jolien Caes, young law graduate recently hired by TCM Belgium, gave us her first impressions in the previous interview. In this second part, she talks about her feelings towards debt, the collection work and her personal aspirations.

• What is your opinion of debtors? Are you afraid of going into debt yourself? Are you thrifty? Do you have any tips for saving? What do you prefer to spend your money on?

I thought people in debt didn’t pay just because they couldn’t afford it. My view is now a little more nuanced. I notice that there is sometimes a blockage for principles. Fortunately, I have not yet had a file on over-indebted people. I am more comfortable dealing with cases where it is more a question of strong heads than of means. But of course, I’m just getting started in this job, and I also take into account that some people might also prefer to suggest, out of pride, that they coud but don’t want to pay.

The word debtor has a negative connotation, but I don’t forget that these are first and foremost people, like you and me, and they are usually relieved when a solution is found. At first, my colleagues and I are kind of scarecrows, but in the medium term we’re the ones who give them a way out, so that a few debts don’t turn into a mountain of debts.

Anyone can become a debtor, for example as a result of health problems. The “fault” is not necessarily where you think it is. Poverty, for example, seems to me to be an unfortunate vicious circle that is difficult to escape. It also depends a lot on what you have seen and experienced yourself at home.

Therefore, I have always been very careful with money myself: I have always been a saver, for fear of getting into excessive debt. I would also like to buy my own house eventually. Saving is an attitude that contributes to this goal. I restrict myself, for example, on restaurants, even though I like to eat 😊. But I spend more easily on trips or activities with friends (the virus helps me save on that!). Fortunately, I do not need 5 star hotels or restaurants. If I want to buy something, I force myself to think about it. I am not an impulsive buyer. I tend to give myself a week or more to decide whether to buy or not.

• Do you see any similarities between the work of debt collectors / lawyers / bailiffs?

I see the obvious similarities. Ultimately, both intend to collect unpaid bills from creditors. So, the end goal is the same, but I see the way is different.

We are looking for an amicable solution, with minimal costs. The costs are higher via lawyers and bailiffs, especially for debtors. With us, it is “five minutes to midnight”, while with lawyers and bailiffs it is often past midnight.

The cost for the debtor is, with us, limited to the costs and interest agreed in the creditor’s terms of sales, or the law. These will often increase significantly with the intervention of other actors and their entailing legal procedures.

• What was your favourite subject during your law and management studies?

It was compensation law. It doesn’t sound exciting to everyone, but I was passionate about non-contractual liability. I love to unravel situations where both parties must defend their respective sides! It must be said that I now see similarities with the cases of creditors and debtors.

During my management studies, I took the course on “people building blocks”. It is an HR related subject that teaches you how to lead a team and motivate people. We don’t motivate people with money only, but also with recognition. Recognition of your work and earning respect for what you do. A spontaneous appreciation about your work does more than a bonus. A good salary is of course necessary, but that little extra is respect and recognition, not a bonus. Feeling that you are adding value to the business works in all situations. I suspect that debtors are also sensitive to an acknowledgement of their situation.

• What is your favourite motto in life?

Being “at ease” is a way of life appreciated by the French (as I learned during my Erasmus in Lyon), but I cannot say that this is what thrills me most.

I try to treat people the way I want to be treated myself. This principle is almost my motto in life, I think. I always try to be correct with everyone, but I keep my own limits. Extending these limits has been and remains my development trail.

Thanks Jolien!

Questions ? Contact us!