One of the best pieces of work advice came from a former v-p. He told me that once a year, every year, regardless of how happy I was in the current job, to go on an interview somewhere else.
Going on a “look-see” does a number of things. It keeps the interview skills sharp, it gives me information about other industries and companies, but most of all, it shows me what I need to stay relevant in the ever changing working world.
Are most companies looking for someone familiar with ABC software? Then I had better take a course in ABC software. Is one skill set in most want-ads? Then I should obtain that skill. Because if all the other companies want that skill, you can be assured that my current company will soon want it also.
This reasoning also holds with financial advisors. Is my financial advisor still relevant to my needs? How would I know unless I dare to compare?
Most advisors offer a complementary first meeting. In that first meeting, I can bring in my current statements and get a second opinion. If I like what I hear, well, maybe I’ll consider leaving.
Last year, I went on my annual look-see with a financial advisor. No other advisor had ever tempted me to switch previously (I’d return to my current advisor happier with his service). This advisor (and his team) did. His concerns about my portfolio ran parallel to mine. His offerings were broader in scope (includes tax, business, and estate planning). Most of his client base is higher net worth.
I spent the last year trying to work out the issues (the biggest issue being my portfolio outgrowing my advisor’s skill set) with my current advisor (been with him 13 years). The past month, he gave up, not even returning my phone calls or e-mails.
So this week, after another couple meetings with the new advisor, the hubby and I have decided to switch our portfolio.