Thread: What to expect first week at new office

Hi there! Congrats on your pre-licensing so far! I hope the state exam goes well for you!

Each office is different. In my office, for example, I am on contract as an independent contractor. This essentially means I am my own boss. I decide how I want to run my business (within the regulations of the office and regulatory body), when I work, even where I work (at home or in the office).
In my office (a C21) we have weekly training sessions for newbies to come and learn about the business... but each office is different. Some have more extensive training processes than others. I have heard of colleagues of mine who were "thrown to the wolves"-- so to speak. They had no training, no real assistance and were expected to learn everything for themselves.
Sometimes independent offices have more flexibility-- sometimes they do not. The best way to find out-- interview them. Go in with all your questions. How much will fees be? What sort of training will they provide? What will you be expected to do in their office?

I was never expected to get coffee for anyone... and unless you are working as an assistant-- I wouldn't think you can expect this.
We don't have to choose our brokerages prior to licencing in my area-- that is very strange to me. Seems kind of like a cash grab from the regulatory office if you ask me.
Good luck in your search!

Absolutely spot on - All offices have their own peculiar style of working. I think training for newbies is a must - have process.

Yeah, that's the way it is in Pa. We have to write down on the application who we're going to work for BEFORE we even take the test.

Yes I know. I'll be a 1099 as well. Great, some will throw me in the pool head first, others may help me. Well, at least I'll be going into these offices well armed with questions and my license and experience as an insurance professional. Glad I won't have to make coffee for everyone in the office: that's not why I got into this industry.

Yes, I was planning on asking what they expect of me to avoid any entanglements later on.

That seems pretty strange that you have to show who you will work for before taking the test. Maybe it is an optional field?

No, not optional man. The application paperwork asks for "The $156 test fee, the name of the broker with whom you'll be working..."

I find it strange too. I don't know. Hell, we're all 1099's, if I don't like their attitude, forgetaboutit.

I gave up that 9-5 crap and waiting for the bricks to drop out of the sky onto my head on a daily basis from ignorant bosses for the last 25 years, no more, never again.

I got insurance and Real Estate and my GF and I (like I've said in the past) are selling this house we own now, and we're moving up North to Vermont as soon as I start making a decent living. Yes, I know it'll be a while but by the time that comes, I'll probably already get my credits for to become a broker and even if not, I have no problem working in some sleepy little town for a nice broker where people leave you alone once you shut that last light out in your office and lock up to go home to your private life.

In five years, something has to break: it always does.

Be sure to share all your thoughts with the brokers you interview.

So they can put me on the blacklist, throw me in the pool and watch me drown? By not teaching me anything and not giving me any support at all because they know I won