312-Q&A: What's It Actually Like to Start a Career as a Financial Advisor with a Big Insurance Company? My Own Experiences from the Trenches!

Today, I respond in detail to this question from a listener:

Hi Joshua,

I have been really into personal finance for about 5 years now and am considering becoming a financial advisor, specifically with a large company like you used to work for.

I am currently a 31 year old physician making around $150,000. I have spent a long time preparing for my career, but I am always drawn to becoming a financial advisor.

The medical field is becoming increasingly draining with charting, liability, decreasing reimbursement, increased regulations etc.

The problem is in my career I can only make so much money. I can see some more patients everyday, but eventually you can only work so much and with that will just take more time.

I already work from 8am-8pm everyday not even including my commute. More patients would just add more time to that. Quite frankly, with the liability and difficult patients I see all the time, I don't think I am paid enough of a premium to take on the risks I take.

I know everyone says they aren't paid enough, but I can literally be sued for anything, especially the surgeries I do. In addition, the aggravation of arguing with some patients on deductibles they owe, co pays etc. I don't know if you know what its like to argue with someone about a $32 bill after giving them necessary medical services because they have "insurance" and feel they are entitled to everything medically related for free, but it is draining.

I would love to hear your thoughts on becoming a financial advisor with a company like you were with.

What were the pros and cons?
What kind of income can I expect and within how long? I have spoken to a few agents, but I know you will give me the "real" story.
What was a day like for you?
When did you really start taking off with your career there?
Do a lot of people not make it? Why not?
How do you actually make money as an advisor? Consulting fees? Ongoing commissions? Upfront fees for selling something?
Do you develop a niche or do everything? Estate planning, group benefits, just individual consultation, etc.?
I always imagine being in a nice, clean office, creating a plan for people's finances. Is there a bad side to the business in terms of lifestyle?
Is it really difficult finding clients? I know there are hundreds of thousands of advisors so there is a lot of competition.
Does the location where you practiced as a financial advisor make a big difference in income/quality of life and if there is a big gap in income between places like West Palm Beach, FL vs Dallas, TX vs Northern Virginia near DC, etc.
Also, is it easy to transition from one location to another once you get started or is that a huge set back?

I am a religious listener to your show. Not only have I listened to every episode, but I have done so numerous times. I have all the frugality and investment stuff down for the most part, but trying to explore the whole quality of life and "work as if I can never retire" type of mentality.

This is obviously a huge decision so I wanted to get as much detail on the job as possible.

I would really appreciate your advice and promise I will follow up with you to let you know how everything turns out. I understand how busy you are so if you can't spare any time on this, I understand.

Thanks so much.

K

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