Harold Said:

Financial Advisor career change?

We Answered:

You are describing a job where the pay is largely based on commissionss. It is a fancy name for sales. The ease at which you switch positions depends on the job market and your value to the company. Right now, most companies are cutting back. Financial advisors are struggling as people are just trying to make ends meet, let along investing into the futue.

I believe that the inside people tend to have greater ease at moving around the company, however, Financial Advisors can move up into management. That would provide more stability.

Regina Said:

Will I be happier if I give up my own small law practice and become a big firm partner or a financial advisor?

We Answered:

No one can answer that question except you.

Stephen Said:

What other careers can i consider with my teaching qualification?

We Answered:

I'm not sure what type of age or subject your training is for, but you can also look into working at science, history, or art museums, many of them have educational programs for children. As a director of such a program you can use skills from lesson planning to create and design events, plus you can be as hands on or off with the kids as you want.

Nora Said:

Is there anything else I can be doing in order to improve my chances of a career change to Insurance?

We Answered:

Rather than voluntary work, try and get a job with an insurance company in any capacity. If you make a good impression in one role you stand a much better chance of being able to move sideways into underwriting at a later date. Companies often like to promote from within (they know what they're getting!) so there's a real prospect the strategy would work at least as well as any other.

Carmen Said:

Is Ameriprise a good company to work for if you are an advisor looking to make a change in firms?

We Answered:

Well when it comes down to it all financial firms are similar. At the end of the day the commissions work out to be the same and the final salaries end up the same. The sad thing about the financial service industry is that it is made up of 80% of nomads and 20% of seasoned advisors who stay with the same company. If you decide to change companies you should choose it not by the company name, but by the individual office. See what support systems they have in place. Talk with the other advisors. I have seen firms like ABC firm North which might be the best firm to work with and ABC South is a horrible office and the management sucks.
So I would look for the firm with the support staff that is going to give you what you need.
Also you might want to make sure your activity is not holding down your career. Many advisors are not simply seeing enough people. You should see at least 12 people a week or at least have 12 appointments scheduled.
Leaving your business means alienating what customer you do have and leaving behind whatever trails and renewals you have created. It might also mean leaving while your 401K is not vested.
You can do financial planning at any firm, but if you feel your office does not have the support then maybe you do need to change.
I think we all try and look outward first and say "I am not succeeding b/c of this" try to look at what could I do different to make it work at this firm.
All of this said I hope you do not work for Primerica.

Ryan Said:

Struggling to make a Career Change. Stuck at the First Hurdle?

We Answered:

I'm in a very similar situation, I'm attempting to re-enter the work force after having done other things and would like to change my career path to one that is more stable. First, let's get one fact straight. Work Sucks, and very few people (less that 5% I'd guess) actually like their jobs. So don't assume a career is going to answer all your life's problems. But having a job that sucks the least is a very reasonable goal.

And don't forget, you have a sluggish economy that is working against you finding an easy career path. My advise is to spend some time advancing your education, so you will be better prepared when your chosen career path opens us. There are on-line tests you can take that will determine which area best suits your interests and personality. I found these to be quite accurate and very helpful.

BTW, let me know when you get a new job because Administration and Customer Services is exactly what I'm trying to get into!