Unless you happen to be in the right place at the right time,and have kissed the right butt to get an open office with minimum asset level (15 million but better chance of success at 20 million) figure 2-2.5 years before you will be working somewhere else. New hire attrition is about 90-95% by this timeframe. In fairness there are people who have built their businesses from scratch and are very successful. I would estimate that number to be in the range of 1/2 % of existing advisors (aprox13K)
Most of the glowing testimonials come from those who got a big office or had their own state as a territory because they started 25 years ago and the commisions were much higher at that point in time. If you're lucky enough to be or get in this group I don't know how life could be any better.
But ......Much more likely this will be your scenario: Get sucked in by average new advisor earnings(Stephen King would be proud of this fiction) Spend through savings "while building your business"; "listen to the you're almost there crap" while running up your credit card balaces;
Face real financial hardship while still listening to those who have never done it tell you what you need to do to make it. Face forclosure and realize you have to move on to survive. Expect to have all references to your name expunged because YOU ARE A LOSER! while the veterans devide the spoils of your effort.
There are good decent and dedicated people in this company but do not fool yourself into A)Thinking you work for yourself. You are an employee. B) your hard work will be rewarded C) Your effort alone will determine your success. Timing and being in the right place are much more indicative of your success.
I predict if this company doesn't drastically change there will be tough times ahead.
