How to balance work and family

Suh Sung-moon

By Choi Kyong-ae

Working as analyst is getting tougher due to the prolonged slump and restructuring in the securities industry since the financial crisis in 2008.

With job turnovers mounting, it is rare to find a career analyst who has spent half of his whole life researching and making regular reports on any given sector.

Suh Sung-moon, 50, is an example of someone who has analyzed the machinery and automobile sectors at Korea Investment & Securities over the past 25 years.

“I have been with the ups and downs of the auto industry for the past two decades. The auto sector is very dynamic and is related to many other businesses, being a growth driver for the national economy,” Suh said in a recent interview.

Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors have seen stellar performances in the past decade, together forming the world’s fifth-biggest carmaker by sales. Competitive prices, improved product quality and brand image, helped drive these up.

Hyundai and Kia sold a combined 2.78 million vehicles in 2003; but saw their sales soar to 7.55 million autos in 2013 with a market share of 9 percent globally.

“I feel pride covering one of the country’s backbone industries. Sometimes, it is hard to predict the auto industry when carmakers are involved in strikes, massive recalls or fuel efficiency problems,” the career analyst said.

Suh is unrivaled when it comes to reading the market and issuing broad and in-depth reports. He is one of the auto analysts who are sought by many reporters.

The analyst does not play golf nor enjoy any other outdoor activities. Instead, he has perfectly balanced work and family — he is married with two children aged 19 and 17.

During the week, he comes to the office at 7 a.m. and leaves at 7 p.m., regularly. He also voluntarily works weekends to figure out what is happening in the U.S. during the night.

His commitment to the job has allowed him to remain a leading analyst in the auto sector for 20 years. But Suh also said time with his daughters is as important as his job.

“I believe investment is all I can do for my daughters. Education and experience will help them grow and contribute to society,” he said.