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New Career....
- Thread starter Mitchell
- Start date
I just talked to both my aunt the artist, and my friend Adam, separately of course.
They both agree with me. While my aunt and friend understand that "insurance" is a "commission based" business, and can take a while to build up a client base, they also feel that if I'm working so hard to get my license, and considering my interest in insurance, I have to follow my dream, and its not up to my father.
I clearly told my father that what I do for the next year, and in.. 10 years, is to me, different. The more I think about what he said, the more pissed I get. He wanted me to be motivated to do something. He harpooned my idea for the business/product I really want to do, and now is putting the kibosh on this too. The best revenge on him, would be to pass my license, do whatever "job" for a very short time, build up my insurance client base, and then do the business I really want, without his help in that business, and with him having no financial participation whatsoever.
Assuming I pass my license, I'm going to do it anyway, whether he likes it or not. At almost 44, I certainly don't need Daddy's approval to do a career I want. He does many things I don't approve of, without regard to how I feel, so in this case, his opinion doesn't mean anything.
They both agree with me. While my aunt and friend understand that "insurance" is a "commission based" business, and can take a while to build up a client base, they also feel that if I'm working so hard to get my license, and considering my interest in insurance, I have to follow my dream, and its not up to my father.
I clearly told my father that what I do for the next year, and in.. 10 years, is to me, different. The more I think about what he said, the more pissed I get. He wanted me to be motivated to do something. He harpooned my idea for the business/product I really want to do, and now is putting the kibosh on this too. The best revenge on him, would be to pass my license, do whatever "job" for a very short time, build up my insurance client base, and then do the business I really want, without his help in that business, and with him having no financial participation whatsoever.
Assuming I pass my license, I'm going to do it anyway, whether he likes it or not. At almost 44, I certainly don't need Daddy's approval to do a career I want. He does many things I don't approve of, without regard to how I feel, so in this case, his opinion doesn't mean anything.
I just looked up at "Salary.com".
Salary as a "Medical Billing Clerk".. which is the job he wants me to do.. $37,000.
Salary as an insurance agent.. $147,000.
Sure he wants me to do the Medical Billing Clerk.. so I'll be stuck, and not have time to pass my insurance exam, or do something decent, so he and his brother can say "Mitch is fucked up".
My mom didn't survive her cancer after we fought so hard, the heads of the huge marketing company I was in, ignored me about my product idea.. Now I'm working so hard to pass my insurance exam.. so I can make a decent living. Don't I have a right to get anything I want, if I try for it? I swear.. if this is the job he wants me to have.. and I do pass my insurance test, and build a client base, he is going to be in for a very rude awakening.
Sorry to rant. I'm just fuming.
Salary as a "Medical Billing Clerk".. which is the job he wants me to do.. $37,000.
Salary as an insurance agent.. $147,000.
Sure he wants me to do the Medical Billing Clerk.. so I'll be stuck, and not have time to pass my insurance exam, or do something decent, so he and his brother can say "Mitch is fucked up".
My mom didn't survive her cancer after we fought so hard, the heads of the huge marketing company I was in, ignored me about my product idea.. Now I'm working so hard to pass my insurance exam.. so I can make a decent living. Don't I have a right to get anything I want, if I try for it? I swear.. if this is the job he wants me to have.. and I do pass my insurance test, and build a client base, he is going to be in for a very rude awakening.
Sorry to rant. I'm just fuming.
- Joined
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Just so you know, if and when this thread goes off the rails, this was what caused it.
I'm not saying you can't post what you want, but you've now introduced your entire family drama into the conversation, so don't act shocked if you start getting opinions on that too.
Jeff, I see your point. It's just.. this week was the best I've felt since before I found out my mom had terminal cancer, over a year and a half ago.. I feel like my dad was trying to harpoon me with his statement, after all I've been through.
I probably should have posted the rant about my family in my blog. I've been trying to do that when it comes to personal family issues. I know I cant undo it now. Next time, I will follow what I've been doing recently, and post any Dad or family rants in my blog.
I'm sorry. I didn't mean for this thread to cause any trouble. Hopefully, if I get back on topic of feeling good about finding a new career, the theme of that, which has worked well so far, can continue.
I probably should have posted the rant about my family in my blog. I've been trying to do that when it comes to personal family issues. I know I cant undo it now. Next time, I will follow what I've been doing recently, and post any Dad or family rants in my blog.
I'm sorry. I didn't mean for this thread to cause any trouble. Hopefully, if I get back on topic of feeling good about finding a new career, the theme of that, which has worked well so far, can continue.
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LOL Thanks, Libertine.
You mentioned going cold turkey, and not looking at the forum until I pass the exam. As I mentioned before, I was advised not to read more than 2 chapters a day/night due to retention overload.
I don't like to start reading a chapter, and not finish it. I know if I started another one now, I'd be zonked before I got through it.
Just like today, early AM tomorrow, I will start working. My intent is to do another 2 chapters at least, and maybe even 3.
You mentioned going cold turkey, and not looking at the forum until I pass the exam. As I mentioned before, I was advised not to read more than 2 chapters a day/night due to retention overload.
I don't like to start reading a chapter, and not finish it. I know if I started another one now, I'd be zonked before I got through it.
Just like today, early AM tomorrow, I will start working. My intent is to do another 2 chapters at least, and maybe even 3.
One "Quasi Personal/Career Related" Statement from my father..
Not that it matters, as I know I have to do what I want regardless.. but..
I had lunch with him today. He told me that "I am now thinking with my head" when it comes to career choice.
Then, he made an interesting statement about my friend Barney...
My father said that he thinks Barney likes when things don't go well for me, and would have a hard time if I had success in insurance, or with anything else. I don't know.
I happened to be walking down Austin St on my way home from the subway, and stopped into see Maria. Without saying my father said it, I floated to her the idea of what he said. Maria's reaction was "Oh, you mean he (Barney) is a miserable human being". I had to chuckle, but I know its not funny.
Regardless, hes still my friend. I don't see my potentially becoming successful with insurance as a problem with Barney. Hopefully he will be happy for me, after all I went through.
Not that it matters, as I know I have to do what I want regardless.. but..
I had lunch with him today. He told me that "I am now thinking with my head" when it comes to career choice.
Then, he made an interesting statement about my friend Barney...
My father said that he thinks Barney likes when things don't go well for me, and would have a hard time if I had success in insurance, or with anything else. I don't know.
I happened to be walking down Austin St on my way home from the subway, and stopped into see Maria. Without saying my father said it, I floated to her the idea of what he said. Maria's reaction was "Oh, you mean he (Barney) is a miserable human being". I had to chuckle, but I know its not funny.
Regardless, hes still my friend. I don't see my potentially becoming successful with insurance as a problem with Barney. Hopefully he will be happy for me, after all I went through.
Bohemianne
Verified
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^ echo.
I can post this here, because its about my insurance career.
My aunt the astrologer is seriously pissing me off. I took a small break from working today, to go out with my friend Barney. I must get X amount of work done by early Monday AM, because I have to leave the apartment for hours, due to a water shutdown.
She called me, at a time that I really didn't want to talk, and went "Insurance is a commission career, how are you going to earn a living from that?" This, from someone, who doesn't work, and has never tried to do anything. GRRRRR! I called my other aunt, the artist, who was like "Don't listen to Eileen, she doesn't know what the hell she's talking about".
To hell with what Eileen thinks.
As soon as the sun gets out of my eyes, I think I'm going to pull a quasi all nighter to make up for the time I lost today, and will lose on Monday.
My aunt the astrologer is seriously pissing me off. I took a small break from working today, to go out with my friend Barney. I must get X amount of work done by early Monday AM, because I have to leave the apartment for hours, due to a water shutdown.
She called me, at a time that I really didn't want to talk, and went "Insurance is a commission career, how are you going to earn a living from that?" This, from someone, who doesn't work, and has never tried to do anything. GRRRRR! I called my other aunt, the artist, who was like "Don't listen to Eileen, she doesn't know what the hell she's talking about".
To hell with what Eileen thinks.
As soon as the sun gets out of my eyes, I think I'm going to pull a quasi all nighter to make up for the time I lost today, and will lose on Monday.
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Good luck with your new career path and never mind what the naysayers say! Commission sales is a tough row to hoe, yes, but if you've got the chops for it (and it sounds to me like you do) you can do pretty well.
Also, I hope that duck's rehabilitation is going OK! (The AFLAC mascot that is!) 🙂
Also, I hope that duck's rehabilitation is going OK! (The AFLAC mascot that is!) 🙂
Thanks, kop.
I don't know if you read my blog, but.. I found out that my test is a week from today, with a day long review course this Thursday.
I was told by my instructor that the material is 20 chapters long. I'm wondering about that, because, I finished Chapter 18 tonight, and got an email from the practice study people, congratulating me on being "75% done", which would mean I have six more chapters. 2 Chapters I would be done tomorrow or Sunday at latest. Six? Would take me to Tuesday, probably, and wouldn't allow me time to try and review again as much of it as I could.
I don't know if you read my blog, but.. I found out that my test is a week from today, with a day long review course this Thursday.
I was told by my instructor that the material is 20 chapters long. I'm wondering about that, because, I finished Chapter 18 tonight, and got an email from the practice study people, congratulating me on being "75% done", which would mean I have six more chapters. 2 Chapters I would be done tomorrow or Sunday at latest. Six? Would take me to Tuesday, probably, and wouldn't allow me time to try and review again as much of it as I could.
Mitch;
I want to start out by congratulating you for taking initiative and responsibility for your life. I'm glad you're studying for a new career move and I'm glad you're making efforts to do something different than what you've always done (in the past). You can't continue to do the same things and expect different results...they have a name for that, you know!
That's the good news...now for the reality..
Insurance is one of the toughest businesses out here and AFLAC is one of the toughest insurance companies to work for. Do not be surprised if you find yourself needing to move on shortly after you obtain your license. Insurance companies are churn-and-burn; when they're done pimping you out, they get to keep the business on their books when you leave.
If you want a career in insurance, then get life and health AND property and casualty. There are companies that can offer you more with both licenses. Make sure you don't take their offer of them paying for the licensing...their money, their license and you'll be gone and they get to keep that too.
I don't want to be the rain on the parade, but I've been there, done that, got the t-shirt with matching keychain.
I do wish you well and that you defy the odds because some do tremendously well at insurance, but most do not.
I want to start out by congratulating you for taking initiative and responsibility for your life. I'm glad you're studying for a new career move and I'm glad you're making efforts to do something different than what you've always done (in the past). You can't continue to do the same things and expect different results...they have a name for that, you know!
That's the good news...now for the reality..
Insurance is one of the toughest businesses out here and AFLAC is one of the toughest insurance companies to work for. Do not be surprised if you find yourself needing to move on shortly after you obtain your license. Insurance companies are churn-and-burn; when they're done pimping you out, they get to keep the business on their books when you leave.
If you want a career in insurance, then get life and health AND property and casualty. There are companies that can offer you more with both licenses. Make sure you don't take their offer of them paying for the licensing...their money, their license and you'll be gone and they get to keep that too.
I don't want to be the rain on the parade, but I've been there, done that, got the t-shirt with matching keychain.
I do wish you well and that you defy the odds because some do tremendously well at insurance, but most do not.
kis, thank you.
I'm aware about the whole thing of insurance being a commission business, etc. To be honest,. I'm not even sure exactly what type of insurance I'm going to be allowed to sell, when I pass the exam,, but I plan to ask my review course instructor that before the exam.
If I have to move on to another company, or get other insurance licenses, so be it. One step at a time.
Studying for this exam and seeing what insurance is about, makes me realize that at some point, I want to do what I had always intended, and try to go to law school, even online, or at night. So much of what I'm reading is about the legalities of insurance, that I think the two careers would go hand in hand, but again, first things first.
They say one doesn't pass the insurance test the first time. My instructor, and my father, say it will be a good learning experience though. I've been working so hard, that I hope I do pass the first time, but, if I don't, I can always take it again.
I'm aware about the whole thing of insurance being a commission business, etc. To be honest,. I'm not even sure exactly what type of insurance I'm going to be allowed to sell, when I pass the exam,, but I plan to ask my review course instructor that before the exam.
If I have to move on to another company, or get other insurance licenses, so be it. One step at a time.
Studying for this exam and seeing what insurance is about, makes me realize that at some point, I want to do what I had always intended, and try to go to law school, even online, or at night. So much of what I'm reading is about the legalities of insurance, that I think the two careers would go hand in hand, but again, first things first.
They say one doesn't pass the insurance test the first time. My instructor, and my father, say it will be a good learning experience though. I've been working so hard, that I hope I do pass the first time, but, if I don't, I can always take it again.
WorkInProgress
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Here's what I would say. If you have a natural aptitude and enjoyment for the selling of insurance, and are in a position to put your whole heart into this, then if the first scenario doesn't get you what you want, you should be able to move around within the insurance-selling world and find the niche that does serve you. But your whole heart has to be in it to stand a chance, and it will take patience even in best-case scenario. That said, good luck. I hope everything works out well.
Thank you.
Yes, my whole heart is into it.
I'm going to have to get some part time job to supplement me until I build up a client base in insurance, but.. I wouldn't be killing myself the way I have been the past several weeks, running to meetings, and the hundreds of hours I'm going to end up spending preparing for this exam, if my heart wasn't into it.
Yes, my whole heart is into it.
I'm going to have to get some part time job to supplement me until I build up a client base in insurance, but.. I wouldn't be killing myself the way I have been the past several weeks, running to meetings, and the hundreds of hours I'm going to end up spending preparing for this exam, if my heart wasn't into it.
Soo..
Nothing can ever go smoothly..
I had a great breakfast with my dad today.. and we went to the monument company to finally deal with my mom;s stone for her grave. I came home, finished all my chapters, and practice little tests.. and then ran into a major problem..
I ran into a page, which said I must take two full length timed practice exams, which I must pass with a 70 or more.. before I;m allowed to take the real exam. My mentor never told me this. I was led to believe I needed to take one practice test, the day long review class on Thursday, and then the real thing on Friday.
I'm going to email my mentor tomorrow morning, and ask him to explain everything to me. If the situation is what the directions on the course say.. I can take one practice test tomorrow, another one Tuesday, see my dad Wednesday for his bday, the day long review course on Thursday, and the real kahuna on Friday.
I was a little pissed when I saw the idea of two practice tests. Isnt an optional day long review, which isn't required, plus one practice test enough?
Hopefully this will all sort itself out.
Nothing can ever go smoothly..
I had a great breakfast with my dad today.. and we went to the monument company to finally deal with my mom;s stone for her grave. I came home, finished all my chapters, and practice little tests.. and then ran into a major problem..
I ran into a page, which said I must take two full length timed practice exams, which I must pass with a 70 or more.. before I;m allowed to take the real exam. My mentor never told me this. I was led to believe I needed to take one practice test, the day long review class on Thursday, and then the real thing on Friday.
I'm going to email my mentor tomorrow morning, and ask him to explain everything to me. If the situation is what the directions on the course say.. I can take one practice test tomorrow, another one Tuesday, see my dad Wednesday for his bday, the day long review course on Thursday, and the real kahuna on Friday.
I was a little pissed when I saw the idea of two practice tests. Isnt an optional day long review, which isn't required, plus one practice test enough?
Hopefully this will all sort itself out.
I went to an all day review class today, in which the professor went over all the material I've read.
Now I have to take two practice final exams, and pass them both times with a score of 70, in order to be able to take the real exam. I'm supposed to take the real exam on Friday, October 25th. I will start trying to take the practice exams tomorrow. They are three hours long each, so.. I will take them every day, until I can hopefully pass them ASAP.
Now I have to take two practice final exams, and pass them both times with a score of 70, in order to be able to take the real exam. I'm supposed to take the real exam on Friday, October 25th. I will start trying to take the practice exams tomorrow. They are three hours long each, so.. I will take them every day, until I can hopefully pass them ASAP.
milagros317
Wielder of 500 Feathers
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Good luck with both the practice exams and the real one, my friend.
Thank you, mils.
I took one of the practice exams today, and raised my grade from a 42 the first time I had taken it, to a 49 today. I'm far from satisfied, and it's far from where it needs to be, but, at least it was a bit of an improvement. I should also make clear.. as I said in the other thread.. that I will be taking all full length final practice exams, and the real exam, of course, from memory only. On these exams I have not used, and wont be using, any "cheat sheet" or help tool of any kind.
Both Jason, and my dad, think that my subpar grades so far, are due to nerves, and rushing.
I plan to take at least one or two practice exams a day, until I do reach the needed percentage. Hopefully, such will happen by next week at latest.
I took one of the practice exams today, and raised my grade from a 42 the first time I had taken it, to a 49 today. I'm far from satisfied, and it's far from where it needs to be, but, at least it was a bit of an improvement. I should also make clear.. as I said in the other thread.. that I will be taking all full length final practice exams, and the real exam, of course, from memory only. On these exams I have not used, and wont be using, any "cheat sheet" or help tool of any kind.
Both Jason, and my dad, think that my subpar grades so far, are due to nerves, and rushing.
I plan to take at least one or two practice exams a day, until I do reach the needed percentage. Hopefully, such will happen by next week at latest.
My grade continues to increase. I took the practice test again tonight, and it was up to a 54, which is a 12 point increase in the two days since I took the course. I still have 12 days to get the two 70 grades I need, and will keep trying at least once or twice a day to get it.
Just raised my grade to a 58%, which is only 12 points short of passing, and represents a 16 point increase in a few days. I think I'm becoming more comfortable and familiar with the material. Hopefully by next week in this time, I can pass both practice tests with the needed 70, to be able to take the real test.
Continued good news. Took the exam again this morning, and rose my grade to a 62%. One needs to get 105 questions out of 160 right on the real exam, and today I got 99 right, so I'm almost there. I plan to take at least two more practice exams today.
Things continue to improve. Just finished another practice test, and got 102 out of the needed 105 answers right to pass, for a total of 64%, my highest score yet. I'm almost there.
I took it again this morning, a 61%. The scores the last 24 hours have consistently been in the low 60s, which is very encouraging. I plan to keep taking tests several times a day,. with the goal of being at 70 twice by the weekend, so maybe I can take a day or two rest from this before the real exam. I do not want to feel I have to go to the review course again next Thursday, or delay the exam any longer than the 25th. Hopefully, the increasing test scores, hard work, and repeating the practice tests, will be enough to put me over the top.
I took it again this morning, a 61%. The scores the last 24 hours have consistently been in the low 60s, which is very encouraging. I plan to keep taking tests several times a day,. with the goal of being at 70 twice by the weekend, so maybe I can take a day or two rest from this before the real exam. I do not want to feel I have to go to the review course again next Thursday, or delay the exam any longer than the 25th. Hopefully, the increasing test scores, hard work, and repeating the practice tests, will be enough to put me over the top.
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