You’ve been here 3 months and can’t answer the question, yourself?

Don’t take a job with Jones without looking at other firms also (not a Jones bash).

VA Salesman,  yes i can answer the question but misery loves company.  Though this question has been posted countless times and the answers posted countless times I guess each of us feel unique and want our own “validation”.  

You have to be comfortable with feeling uncomfortable.  Your clock starts at zero every month when it comes to expectations.  I had the same choice as you and although a bit older, I find the roller coaster ride exhilarating.  Thick skin and passion are great assets to have.

[quote=Mr. Jones]VA Salesman,  yes i can answer the question but misery loves company.  Though this question has been posted countless times and the answers posted countless times I guess each of us feel unique and want our own “validation”.  

[quote=Mr. Jones] Hello everyone, been lurking here for a few months now and I must say this forum has been invaluable to me. I have been offered the “koolaid”. The question is should I take the offer or not. I am 45 years old and while not ancient it does make me wonder if this is a smart move. My back ground is in heavy industry as safety and government contractor as of late. I have never sold anything and I have always had a steady paycheck… I just moved to a real nice beach community and life is good but my job is so boring… and low paying (55k). I see this as an opportunity to really have something beyond always “punching the clock”. But i am concerned about the low starting pay.

I was waiting for that Miss Jones.

Mrs. Jones, after reading all of these postings, you were the one who stuck out most to me as far as being “fair” and reasonable with good advice, not a hatchet man like most here.  Whats the saying about duplication being the greatest form of praise ( i know not exactly right words).  I can change the avitar if it really bothers you.

[quote=Mr. Jones]Hello everyone, been lurking here for a few months now and I must say this forum has been invaluable to me.  I have been offered the "koolaid".  The question is should I take the offer or not.  I am 45 years old and while not ancient it does make me wonder if this is a smart move.  My back ground is in heavy industry as safety and government contractor as of late.  I have never sold anything and I have always had a steady paycheck... I just moved to a real nice beach community and life is good but my job is so boring..... and low paying (55k).  I see this as an opportunity to really have something beyond always "punching the clock".  But i am concerned about the low starting pay.

Mr. Jones - nothing to do with age. If you are prepared to risk the unknown ( that means both the good and the bad ) and have a passion for what you are doing. Then make the move. If you are thinking about the income , that is more the result/s of your efforts and successes. The income is NET EFFECT of your activities.

[quote=Mr. Jones] Mrs. Jones, after reading all of these postings, you were the one who stuck out most to me as far as being “fair” and reasonable with good advice, not a hatchet man like most here. Whats the saying about duplication being the greatest form of praise ( i know not exactly right words). I can change the avitar if it really bothers you.

That is still very lame of him to duplicate Miss Jones. Although his mentality will be perfect for Jones, just copy what others are doing and dont question it ! What ever you do, dont question it !

Mr. Jones

"One more thing - everyone is different - but for me, i know deep down
if i had done this when i was 25 or even 30, i would have failed
miserably."

Could you elaborate, pratoman.  I am 27 and curious to know.  Hope I’m not intruding.

I agree. Prato means he didn’t have the maturity, wisdom, intelligence, confidence, and well, money, to get started at that age.  Maybe not all those things, but probably some of them.

Airborne, B24 -

Pratoman Its funny you mentioned the timing as i have been thinking about that lately as well, you are correct on the timing issue of entering this field.  For me i coudnt see me doing this even three years ago.  As you get older your priorities change… life beats you up and you see things differently, life teaches you, matures you and gives you the base and knowledge where there arent many people you cant relate too. My first wife of 24 years passed away from Breast Cancer on Jan 1 2006 and seeing all of the things that she never got to do or will do will make you think.  Having dealt with bad situations, a variety of people as a manager over the years has certainly honed my people skills.  There have been times in my past work history where I had worked 120 days straight, other times 36 hours in a row… 60 - 70 hours a week was nothing.  While I have a strong work ethic i am hoping that this will not be that consuming… is there such a thing as working smarter not harder?  prospect businesses and areas where you know there is money (older homes with caddys in the drive way) down at the marinas around the yachts… I know one FA who is out knocking residences every day but the areas he is prospecting doesnt seem to be areas where i would think investible money is (lower middle class neighborhoods or younger folks with a mortgage, car payments and kids… 50 bucks a month isnt gonna invest much) He is meeting expectations though… Just seems you could do better with a better game plan. 

Mr. Jones, your age is not a factor, however your lack of sales experience is. It’s a  major factor! That’s not to say this won’t work for you, just that the deck is heavily stacked against you. Not only is this sales, it’s the toughest kind of sales, selling intangibles.

I started when I was 54.  Stayed with Jones for three years and went independent.  My first year income with Jones was just a shade over $24k.  Second year was about $40k, Third year was about $55k.  My Fourth year, now independent, was $155k net.  Fifth year was $220k net.  Sixth year will be a shade under $300k net.