5 signs it’s time to change career - and how financial advice can be your next step.

1. Are you motivated in your current role?

If you lack enthusiasm at work or are constantly watching the clock, it could be a sign that your current role isn’t fulfilling enough. This lack of motivation often stems from either not being challenged enough or not finding the work particularly engaging. A role that truly excites and inspires you will lead to greater personal fulfilment and professional success.

A career in financial advice can reignite your motivation and drive by enhancing your work into a series of meaningful, life-changing relationships. The profession is all about getting to know clients, understanding their unique challenges and aspirations. As you start to find out what matters most, crafting bespoke plans to help them achieve their goals, their successes and well-being become your own. These relationships are beyond transactional, they are transformational, making this human connection in this role a power motivator. 

Discover how our financial advisers transform the lives of clients and their families: Lifelong support and guidance (youtube.com)

2. Do you have a healthy work/life balance?

If you find yourself prioritising work over your personal life and often experiencing burnout, these are clear signs of an unhealthy work-life balance. Striking and maintaining a healthy balance is crucial for overall wellbeing and long-term job satisfaction, improving both your quality of life and work performance.

A career as a financial adviser can offer a better work-life balance, as it gives you the freedom to choose your own clients and therefore set your own working hours. This flexibility enables you to tailor your work schedule to align with your personal priorities and interests.

Find how others have successfully achieved a better work-life balance in their new careers as financial advisers here.

3. Do you find a sense of meaning and purpose in your current role?

If you constantly question the value and importance of your work, this may indicate that your current role lacks a deeper purpose. A career that contributes to making a positive impact will provide a profound sense of purpose, satisfaction and fulfilment.

Becoming a financial adviser presents a significant market opportunity to address the growing demand for financial advice in the UK. With over 28,000 financial advisers currently in the UK - many of whom are nearing retirement, with an average age is 58 – and the ‘mass affluent’ demographic, which controls 67% of UK investable wealth and is expected to reach 14.3 million by 2026, the demand for financial advice is now stronger than ever. By stepping into this role, you can capitalise on this market opportunity, help clients manage their growing assets effectively, and enhance your career with a profound sense of purpose.

Moreover, by training through our Academy programme, you’ll contribute to a more diverse financial services industry. Our graduates include 28% of women, compared to the industry average of 16%, and 59% come from non-financial backgrounds, helping to shape the future of the sector with a broad range of demographics. Thus, a career as a financial adviser, offers both a strategic market opportunity and fulfilling role in driving positive change within the industry.

4. Do you feel supported and recognised in your work?

If you find that your efforts are often overlooked or your voice goes unheard, it could be that you’re not getting the support you need at work. Being recognised for your effort is essential for building your confidence, feeling valued, and staying motivated.  

At St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy, we’re dedicated to offering unparalleled support and guidance throughout your journey to becoming a financial adviser. Our unrivalled curriculum, spread across 4 structured terms, blends classroom learning, digital content, and practical workshops to provide you with industry-leading training. You’ll receive one-to-one support and coaching from over 160 specialists who provide regular mentoring and coaching to help your professional and personal development. With our award-winning programme and support infrastructure, you’ll not gain the qualifications and skills you need but also the confidence to thrive in your new role as a financial adviser.

5. Can you see a clear career progression path?

If you’re unsure about your career progression, or feel like you’ve hit a glass ceiling, it could be a sign that your current role lacks growth opportunities. A career filled with clear trajectory and growth opportunities can boost your sense of drive and motivation, helping you develop and refine your skills.

In our Academy, we offer a clear path for career progression, whether you choose to join one of our 2,600 existing advice businesses, or build your own. With a 100% track record of graduates securing roles before they start, you can train knowing your future is secure. If you decide to start your own financial advice practice, we provide a clear path for you to build a business that aligns with your values and vision, backed by our comprehensive range of support, including marketing and business consultancy. This entrepreneurial opportunity gives you complete autonomy to create an asset that can grow over time and that you can sell in the future. No matter what route you decide, we’ll support you every step of the way to ensure you thrive as a financial adviser.

Taking a step back and asking yourself these five crucial questions can offer valuable insights about your professional life. This reflection helps you assess your current level of happiness and job satisfaction, and whether your current role aligns with your long-term ambitions. If any of these questions resonate with you, or if any of these aspects are lacking, exploring a new career in financial advice might be your next step.

Since 2012, we’ve helped over 1350 individuals to successfully change careers and become financial advisers. That’s more than all other UK financial adviser academies combined. There’s no cost to join our programme, and trainees even receive financial support to ensure a smooth transition, and we also provide investment and funding to support the growth of your new business if you decide to choose this route. With over 2,600 advice businesses, 4,800 advisers (including 1,180 Chartered Financial Planners), and £181bn in client funds under management, we’re comfortably the leading financial advice business in the UK. Join the leading advice brand that attracts over £65 million of new client investments every single working day.

Join the 1350 individuals: St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy (sjp.co.uk)

Start a conversation with us: How to Apply | Joining St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy (sjp.co.uk)