Broker or Analyst? Please advise
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Hello RR's,
I have a dilemma. I am thinking about going back to the role as an Analyst for EJ. I was an analyst in Corp Fin before coming to Jones as an FA but really don't like it all that much. I am not sure if it is me, the firm, the unsophisticated investors, the market, or the what-if shot of really making it here in St Louis, which is where I am an FA. Why did I come to Jones? My friends Dad was a GP that recently retired, but he was on the MGMT Committee, so that is why. Is there another firm that really appreciates MBA's and analytic people that are actually extroverted? Either way, I know that I don't want to "sell" forever. So, I would probably be making a move to the research team, prod review, or trading. My backround is an MBA, 3 years of analytical experience, and all licenses. I really would just like an opinion. You can blast EJ if it makes you feel better but I am looking for short-term and long-term answers. Short-term is about $70K salary as an analst vs $50K as an FA. Long-term, I am probably shooting myself in the foot. Either way, I am only 27 and have no clue what I want to do long-term but I know that I feel like a skill-set of mine is getting dry rotted sitting here in the branch, doorknocking, and making bond calls all day. Any advise would be appreciated. CI agree you could make more long term as an FA but if you don't enjoy it then I'd take the $70k.
I should say I don’t enjoy the ups and downs. I do enjoy working with people and being involved with the market etc. It is up and down for a long time I hear. Also, very emotionally challenging.
Thanks for the first response.No amount of money is worth not enjoying what you do. If you like working as an FA, but don’t really want to do it in a branch, why not look to the EDJ trust company, or HQ investment services? You get to do the same thing without the pressures of the monthly bogeys, doorknocking, or the nervous Nancy phone calls.
There's a job out there right now for an investment specialist in the Trust dept. Apply for that. You owe it to your clients and the relationship you're building with them to figure this thing out quickly. Job limbo isn't good for your long term success or theirs.You need to make sure that the reason that you don't like is not because you are not successful.
I think that if you don't bust your ass for as hard as you can for a year, you'll regret it for the rest of your life.
I doubt you'll regret it for the rest of your life. There are many great paths out there, FA is not the "Greatest Job in the World". (It is a Great Job if you enjoy it.) It's all the things you already know. Look 5 yrs down the road and see if you think you'll like it then. To be successful you'll have to be "selling" for many years. There are many ways to make great money. Jones and all firms for that matter have to talk up the FA job to keep people from quitting even more often.
Thanksf for your responses. 5 years is a long time to look down the road when you are having a hard time paying your bills. I am going to look into the Trust posi.
I appreciate all responses and any future responses. Best Regards, CI think you’re answering your own question. Sounds like it’s really never going to work for you as an FA.