EJ Opportunity-It Won't Go Away-Advice
11 RepliesJump to last post
OK everyone…I started looking at the EJ opportunity about a year ago and it just won’t go away. Initially, I was skiddish about the tests, then it was the door knocking. Then the economy went into the tank…which might be a good thing with all the low hanging fruit.
Here's my deal. I work about 4-5 months out of any given year. I feel extremely underwhelmed in my profession. My wife has a great career and brings home good, solid income. EJ would be the only firm I'd consider. I've met their people, who seem awesome and I think their training would be top notch and lights out. But I am 44 years old and wonder if that's too old. I very much enjoy building relationships and helping people. But is that enough to switch gears at this point of my life? Seriously, what does everyone think? Just give it to me straight up. Only serious posts please.Jones is a great place to start if you are new to the industry. The training is great, the people are great, and the culture of the firm is top notch. If your wife makes a good steady income and can pay the bills for the first five years as you eat crap (prospecting, door knocking etc) then Jones is a great choice. Full disclosure, I left Jones 3 yrs in because my wife is a stay at home Mom and the income just wasn't there.
Dixie, as Ron said, if money is not a big concern, it could be the greatest job ever. And that being the case, Jones is a great choice (versus banks & wirehouses) because as a newbie, you have a little more autonomy over your schedule. The expectations are pretty rigid in the beginning, but once you are through like year 1 with the firm, you can pretty much work when you want and how you want as long as you hit your numbers.
Now, your wife having a great job is a double-edged sword. It can (on one hand) make you too relaxed and not work hard enough to hit your numebrs, and you fail out. On the other hand, being relaxed can sometimes make you better at your job - it often depends on the person. But will ultimately make the job more enjoyable, as the income aspect of the job is off the table. How do you only work 4-5 months at age 44? Some sort of outdoor landscaping thing?I work in sports…I’m pretty much off from April-October. Sold mortgages for a while and enjoyed the face to face contacts and interaction.
For the age bracket answer to your question. No, 44 years old is not too old to start in this career. I started at 44 yrs old two years ago. I did build a decent book with BAI, but I was let go on March 6th with all the other newer Advisors there.
Expect to put in 5 years of extremely hard work in cold calling and sales.Dixie, 44 is NOT too old. Considering all the career moves you can make, even if you are just moderatley successful, you can still make a very good living doing this.
[quote=wind3574]
.
[/quote] Wind, congratulations on your best post yet. This is the first one in which you aren't talking about yourself.Dixie, to get back to answering your initial question. Jones is going to give you the most freedom and the easiest expectations to hit. They payout isn’t the best and like anything else there is some BS, but in your situation I think it is a great fit.
[quote=iceco1d]44 isn’t too old at all. You are in a great position to start in the business, especially with having some sales experience, and a dual income household.
However, your "I won't consider anywhere else but Jones" attitude is stupid. Jones is a great place to start. However, it would be idiotic to not even CONSIDER a few other major, reputable firms. [/quote]You're so judgmental.