The Benefits of Training & Working as a Financial Adviser in the UK
The role of a financial adviser is pivotal in guiding individuals and businesses towards achieving their financial goals. In the UK, this profession is not only highly respected but also offers numerous benefits that make it an attractive career choice for teachers looking for an alternative pathway.
St. James’s Place has a prestigious Financial Adviser Academy, hear from 2 former teachers who have retrained:
Laura North devoted 16-years teaching at a college, ascending to a management position.
Although she found significant fulfilment in supporting children, the long hours and limited personal recognition ultimately resulted in exhaustion and burnout. Becoming a financial adviser has enabled Laura to achieve a work-life balance while continuing to help people in a different way. She aims to expand her financial advice business and to focus on financial education, which resonates with her identity and aligns with her values.
“Financial advice is very similar to teaching because I had been teaching business and finance for a long long time so I knew a lot about running a business but equally, I had a bit of a financial understanding as well so it just felt like my worlds were amalgamating and I could put my theory and knowledge with my experience and skills
I cannot believe even now, how transferable going from teaching to being a financial advisor is.” Laura North
Tasha Mulford worked as a maths teacher before ascending to a head of year at a local secondary school. Although she enjoyed being around and supporting the children, the long hours, stress, and feeling like she reached her teaching career peak has led Tasha to realise that dedicating your life to work is important but not at the expense of your mental health. Tasha now feels more in control of her work and can manage her time flexibly, she has the level of challenge she was looking for.
“Being a good communicator, and building those long-term lasting relationships is a skill I learnt in the classroom.
Being a super planner because essentially what we’re doing now, helping adults to reach their goals is similar to how we worked with children helping them reach either their personal life goals or their academic goals.” Tasha Mulford
Did Teach Takeaways
High Demand & Job Security
With an ageing population and increasing financial complexities, the demand for skilled financial advisers in the UK is on the rise. People are more aware than ever of the need for sound financial planning, be it for retirement, investments, or insurance.
This growing demand translates into excellent job security for financial advisers. Moreover, regulatory changes and the evolving financial landscape continue to create new opportunities within the industry.
Lucrative Earning Potential
Financial advisers in the UK can enjoy a highly lucrative earning potential. The remuneration structure often includes a combination of a base salary, commissions, bonuses, and performance-related incentives.
Experienced advisers with a solid client base can achieve impressive earnings, especially those who specialise in niche areas or manage high-net-worth clients. According to recent surveys, the average salary for financial advisers in the UK ranges from £30,000 to over £100,000 annually, depending on experience and location.
Professional Growth & Development
The financial advisory profession offers extensive opportunities for continuous professional growth and development. Various qualifications, such as the Chartered Financial Planner (CFP) or qualifications from the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), enable advisers to enhance their expertise and credibility.
Regular training and upskilling are integral to staying abreast of industry trends, regulatory changes, and new financial products, ensuring advisers remain competent and competitive.
Diverse Career Pathways
Financial advisers can specialise in various areas, including investment advice, retirement planning, tax planning, estate planning, and corporate financial advice. This diversity allows professionals to tailor their careers to their interests and strengths.
Additionally, experienced advisers can transition into roles such as financial consultants, wealth managers, or even set up their own advisory firms, providing further career flexibility and autonomy.
Making A Positive Impact
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a financial adviser is the ability to make a significant positive impact on clients’ lives. Advisers help individuals achieve their financial goals, secure their futures, and navigate complex financial decisions.
“I feel like I’m making a genuine difference and I’m having a real positive impact in people’s lives” Laura
This role offers the satisfaction of knowing that your expertise and guidance have helped someone save for their child’s education, plan for a comfortable retirement, or manage their financial risks effectively.
Work-Life Balance
Many financial advisers in the UK enjoy the benefit of a balanced work-life dynamic. The nature of the job often allows for flexible working hours, enabling advisers to manage their time efficiently and cater to their personal commitments.
“The impact it’s had on my personal life is incredible, I feel so much more in control of my work and what I mean by that is having that work-life balance that I strive for.
I can manage my time more flexibly and choose what I want to do and when to do it. My whole family has noticed my demeanour changing.” Tasha
Whether working for a large firm or operating independently, the ability to structure your workday can contribute to a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle.
Networking Opportunities
Working as a financial adviser provides extensive networking opportunities. Advisers frequently interact with clients from diverse backgrounds, other financial professionals, and industry experts. These interactions not only enhance professional knowledge but also open doors to potential business opportunities and collaborations. Building a robust professional network is invaluable for career growth and success in the financial advisory field.
“I’ve built some really wonderful long-lasting relationships within the SJP community so I’m really grateful for that” Laura
Final Thoughts
A career as a financial adviser in the UK is both rewarding and promising. From high earning potential and job security to the satisfaction of making a tangible difference in clients’ lives, the benefits are substantial. With continuous professional development and a variety of specialisations to explore, financial advisers can enjoy a dynamic and fulfilling career. If you are passionate about finance and enjoy helping others achieve their financial dreams, this might be the perfect career path for you.
Find out more about St. James’s Place ‘award-winning’ Financial Adviser Academy, and how it can help you achieve your career and personal goals: St. James’s Place Finanical Adviser Academy
