Becoming a finacial advisor

It depends. I am with Merrill Lynch as a financial advisor for Merrill Edge, and the job is definitely performance based, but is much more relaxed than a build-your-book branch gig.

When you have to go out in your community and solicit new business, that's when FA work gets tough. People like to invest with folks that they know and respect, and that comfort level is tough to establish.

It just depends with the position and role you play for your company.

If you can get into a training program with a wirehouse, it will open up opportunities within the firm and outside. Once a wirehouse pays for your training and licenses, you will have many options including joining a successful team . Banks typically don't hire financial advisors that aren't licensed and have some experience. You will learn very little as a bank financial advisor, except how to sell annuities and other high commission products.