1. You will pay for everything under the idea that this is your business. However, you have no choice on your numbers or goals (but will be buying printer paper)
2. Mandatory awards breakfasts, punishment/trainings if your numbers are not what management wants to see
3. Flat refusal to transfer you from a partner who lies to you.
4. Partners who care more about their bonuses than your personal goals/mental health
5. Cult-like atmosphere of NYL being best company ever, and if you fail it's your fault
6. Managing partners who refuse to take "no" for an answer - instead you're just not a good team player
7. In order to survive, expect that you will have to make life insurance sales to people who don't need them, or don't need them as large as you do. Also expect to not be the best advisor to your clients because they won't let you learn about the larger investment markets until you've hit something called council twice. Everything is geared towards council - a few days "vacation" for you, while you mostly sit in meetings all day.
8. You know that office friend you like? Expect them to be gone in less than a year. Also expect everyone to say that it was somehow their fault.
9. Maternity leave, sick pay, FMLA is ridiculously hard to apply for or get approved.
10. Don't expect anyone to actually have the answer you want - either they don't know or don't have the time, so expect to spend a long of time on the phone with the service centers.
11. Reversals - if your client changes their mind, you will be paying the company back out of your own pocket.