DJWells said:
So... what is the reality when it comes to starting a career in insurance?
Hi everybody,
I am thinking about becoming an insurance agent for many different reasons. However, I am concerned that I may not be the right "type" of person for the job and I was wondering if anybody could give me some advice on that and a few other questions as well.
Basically, I went to college and got a degree in physics and a masters in business administration. Graduated into a crappy economy with no jobs that really complimented by background and ended up working in retail management. (I'm the assistant manager of a selling department at a big box retail chain store and work crappy hours.) I desperately want a different career for many different reasons and have been applying to every job I believe I'm qualified for with very little luck.
That being said, I am considering a career in insurance because I feel like it would be a better use of my time than standing around dealing with random people simultaneously all day in a retail setting getting paid by the hour. I am very goal oriented and a hard worker and I feel like I could be doing something so much more productive with my time. And if I have to deal with people, I'd rather be able to give them my full 100% attention in a quiet environment with no interruptions instead of trying to help somebody while trying to answer the department phone, radio and the second and third customer that shows up and doesn't have the decency to wait until I'm done with the first costumer.
Now, the reason I say I may not be the right "type" for the job is that, as I understand it, to be a successful agent requires a somewhat outgoing personality. I won't say I'm not outgoing, but I tend to be more introverted than extroverted. Don't get me wrong. I socialize, I have friends and I talk to people (I've even sort of gotten to know some of the regulars that come into where I work), but I don't want to have to become "friends" with tons of people as a means generating business. (Though I suppose this will vary depending on the company/agency?) I'd rather just be an awesome insurance agent that listens to people and sells what meets their needs instead of having to be a "community man" that shows up at every single social event when I'd rather be doing something else. Can anybody comment on this?
Second, if I were to begin a career in the insurance industry, are there any particular companies one would recommend starting with? I'd like to have decent, comprehensive training and avoid drinking the Cool-Aid about how awesome the company's policies are or how awesome it is to work for them only to find out that the company's policies are overpriced (or are just terrible in general) in the local market which leaves me hung out to dry. (Since I'd probably be a captive agent.)
Third, how is the insurance industry doing in general? I've heard from a few of my family members that the "people they've talked to" said that it has been really rough for insurance agents lately. Is this true? (Probably depends on local economies, but would like some feedback about this nonetheless.)
Fourth, how easy is it in reality to actually start an agency and make enough to pay the bills? I see and hear about all of these large numbers (e.g. "make 50K+ your first year"), but then I hear that a lot of agents "survived on bread and water" their first five years. I'm also paying off student debt.
Anyway, I have other questions, but this post is long enough for now. I'd appreciate any advice or information anyone can give me. Thank you!
