Quality of Job relates directly to your Financial Advisor
Pros
An established company with very conservative views.."old school"..not progressive or risky, thus it draws an older client. There are some good benefits but I saw the insurance packages being streamlined to where it was not beneficial to the employee...more money in the company pocket. There are paid holidays and vacation and the usual perks, 401K, profit sharing, etc.
Cons
The job is only as good as the direct manager the BOA is assigned to (or who is assigned to the BOA). If you are stuck in an office with an FA who has no managing skills and is trying to find his way in the business arena, it can make for a miserable existance. If you are paired with a competent, mature and generous FA, then you could have a great ride. I was not so lucky but was coupled with a kid who was so green that it was an effort for me to make it through each day. He was cocky, rude, arrogant, self-centered, anal and selfish. It was very apparent that he needed many years to grow into the role. He did not know what he professed to and the clients were able to see this. An FA can make the job wonderful for his BOA by being helpful, considerate and thoughtful. The FA and the BOA are supposed to be a support team and the keyword here is "team". The FA is not to be "superior" to his BOA. I was micro-managed to the maximum degree which made my job a test in my ability to keep my mouth shut and just do my work. Too much time was wasted with his micro-managing over the most inane of details such as where to put the stapler and trash can which were at my desk. Yes, I said I was told where to place my stapler, trash can, folders, etc. FA is supposed to "sell" and let the BOA handle the front office. This is the way the model was designed and it works best that way. When the FA is too busy micro-managing the front office, then he cannot possibly do his work with any grace or success. The BOA has the front desk which is to be kept the way that works for them. You know you are in the wrong place when the guy you work for tells you how to arrange your desk. My advice is to check out the office first and try to get some word on the personality of the FA you will work for. Otherwise, you could get into a situation of a "freeze" which is what the home office does to the BOA which locks the FA/BOA together in a relationship (that is obviously not working), for one solid year before a transfer is possible. If the BOA rocks the boat, he/she could find themselves out on their ear. This is basically to make the BOA quit the job so the company won't have to terminate them. The home office will stick with the one who brings in the money to the company and that is naturally the FA.