Ice, my former employer is somewhere between a community and regional...I don't know for sure where they are today, but I'm guessing between one and two billion in total assets.  From what I've seen and the people I've talked to, it only gets worse the bigger the bank.

To the guys I left behind, assuming you still read here, know this, I have no (read: ZERO)regrets in leaving.  I come in when I want, I leave when I want, I fill out no stupid sales reports and no one reduces my grid each year (in fact, LPL raised it last year).  I still work hard, but  not  as hard as I did (I do work a lot smarter without all the BS beaurocracy).  No idiot Office Space consultants decide that I need to work harder for the same paycheck or that after years in the industry and better numbers each year, I need basis sales training 101...on a freakin' Saturday no less.  No stupid sales meetings (pep sessions or bitch sessions, depending on the mood of the day), and no unrealistic budgets.  I have more freedom, a better product line, better technology, better pay and benefits.  Management wants you to think that the non-compete is bullet-proof, but it's not.  Save your money, hire a lawyer and plan for a better life.  I can't tell you how much better it's been for me, just know that it's not even close.   Last week, I put on my bike gear and rode 165 miles to visit a client.  No way would I have been able to do that working for my former employer, but I had a beautiful ride and my client got a real kick out of seeing me in jeans and leather.  We also did about $3,000 gross commissions in trades as a result of that meeting.  Not my best day, but it does prove that money can be made, even when I'm playing.  I don't have that familiar feeling of dread Sunday evening.  In fact, I jump out of bed Monday mornings actually looking forward to going to work.   Grab your balls and jump.  There is life after the bank...and it's a lot better than what you're living.