are you capable of doing your own thinking?

The best place is the place without a non-compete/non-solicit agreement...I'm only partially kidding about that one as a good non-compete/non-solicit agreement can really throw a wrench into your efforts to leave and stay in the business and move clients.  Your prospective employer should furnish a copy of the agreement PRIOR to employment.  My understanding is that if they spring it on you after you've started employment, it's a lot harder for them to enforce unless you've accepted something of value (i.e., stock options) in exchange for signing...and don't even think that you won't sign it if it's put in front of you...the pressure to do so, even though you have a "choice", is immense.  That's my thoughts and opinions for what they're worth.

You might consider Raymond James, even though Farmboy and others have exposed a few warts, as they have both employee and independent channels and I understood that you have some ability to move from employee to independent at some point.

...and don't even consider using this post as legal advice...I'm not a lawyer and don't even play one on TV.

all i want are opinions and suggestions. The experiences that all of you FA’s have been through can help a great deal to a new guy in this field

[quote=brothaK]all i want are opinions and suggestions. The experiences that all of you FA's have been through can help a great deal to a new guy in this field
[/quote]

Quit thinking, get a job, and see if you last.

Just do a bunch of annuities like “remotecontrol” does.

[quote=Incredble Hulk]Just do a bunch of annuities like "remotecontrol" does. [/quote]

Someone has to sell them...might as well be me. If your clients aren't buying them from you, they're buying them from someone...might as well be you.

back on topic guys, i know you all love going off topic
but i would rather know what’s the best route so maybe I could have an easier 3-4 years than a rather grueling one.

Indyone:

Your prospective employer should furnish a copy of the agreement PRIOR to employment.  My understanding is that if they spring it on you after you've started employment, it's a lot harder for them to enforce unless you've accepted something of value...

---------------------------------------

This was my experience with Dean Witter (DW), back in the early '90's. Three interviews with DW and I'm hired. (No mention of an employment contract.) So, I quit my bank job, sold my house, and moved across state with my wife. First day of employment at DW, the BOM says sign this. Huh? Well, I had to sign it, since I had burned all my bridges.

Long story short, I broke the contract. DW legal calls me, after numerous written demands for reimbursement of "training fees". I tell the attorney just what I told you above, along with a veiled threat to counter sue for not telling me about the contract prior to employment. Attorney says thank you and hangs up. That's been 12 years ago, so I can safely assume they dropped the matter.

Thought I would dig up this thread and see if there are any more comments.  I would like to hear more opinions on the best way to end up Indy.  Is it to start at a wirehouse, bank or go indy from the start?

[quote=bondo]Thought I would dig up this thread and see if there are any more comments.  I would like to hear more opinions on the best way to end up Indy.  Is it to start at a wirehouse, bank or go indy from the start?[/quote]

The best way to go indy is to start at a wirehouse or a regional because they have training programs.  Plan on spending at least 5 years learning and building a book of clients.

You could start indy only if you find a well qualified mentor willing to sponsor you for licensing and to spend time teaching and training you.

I'm researching this career field myself.

I'd like to know what the REQUIREMENTS are for going "independent"?

Cyber bullies need not respond.  Thanks for your cooperation.

[quote=goforbroke]

I'm researching this career field myself.

I'd like to know what the REQUIREMENTS are for going "independent"?

Cyber bullies need not respond.  Thanks for your cooperation.

[/quote]

Call an independent firm and ask them.

I would think it would be pretty difficult to start in a bank or with an independent.  You just won't learn enough unless you have gone through a training program from a wire or regional. 

I know a couple of exceptions, but most successful brokers in all 3 channels have big firm experience on their resume (wire, EDJ or Ameriprise).  No one else can afford to train you, since realistically 80% of the trainees are going to wash out.

Throw them in the fire and make sure the principal looks at all the paperwork and transactions.



Either way someone has to be close by to give the new guy guidance.



SELL, sell and sell some more.