Pros
If you are lucky enough to work for a profitable and nice FA it can be a great experience as it was at the first office I was in. My FA was like my best friend, was very caring and great to work for. The time off and benefits that you begin with from day one are great compared to other companies. The hours and flexibility are good and allow for having a life outside of work and is a great position for mothers.
Cons
You are on your own in a branch with one Financial Advisor and if you don't get along guess what that's your problem according to Associate Relations in home office who pretend to be on your side so that you open up to them and then they turn it around on you and use your words against you. I was told to change my ways so I could cater to my Financial Advisor and if I was not willing to do things the way he wanted me to I could go find another branch. I was fired on the spot even though I have had an outstanding on every review, have gotten the highest ratings and maximum bonus amounts allowed and was offered Limited Partnership. I found out that even though I thought they valued me as an employee and saw me as an asset to the branch apparently anyone is expendable and they do not have your best interest at heart. The home office is based out of St. Louis and they did all of this over the phone without room for discussion. I felt like they were reading from a script and it was easier to fire me because it was done over the phone and there was no emotion involved. I was treated like a criminal even though what I had done was in the client's best interest and under the pressure of my Financial Advisor that I should be on the quest for perfection and I had missing information. My FA that I had been with for over a year did not even begin to try to help me and that hurt a lot. I feel very betrayed.