You have to know lots of rich people - Financial Services Professional New York Life Employee Review

2.0
7 Jun 2009
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

New York Life is a prestigious company with a rich history insuring presidents, ceo's and some of Americas most famous faces. They are AAA rated from all insurance rating companies.

Cons

They tell you that it is a business for yourself only not by yourself. Once you are there you realize why there is a 95% turnover rate. Mandatory "Phone Clinic" which is telemarketing, mandatory meetings with your boss once a week, and almost a meeting a day of listening to New York Life propaganda. It is very tiring to listen to these "partners" all the time. You find out that the "partners" really dont care about your success, they hope that you sell a lot to your friends and family and then you are pretty much on your own. It is much more profitable to the company to not pay renewal commissions so they just let people leave. You are also charged for your desk, phone, internet, copier, software and any other way that they can...pencils, pens, letterhead, envelopes and all other expenses you incur. Which is overwhelming when you are trying to start out. Do not go into this career unless you have at least 6 months of living expenses saved up. There will be months that you work and work but nobody buys, which means you dont get paid a dime, even though you went to 10 hours worth of meetings in the week. They will also tell you that they hire only 1 of 25 people they interview, its more like 1 of 25 take the position...YOU GOTTA BE CRAZY or have really, really good connections to make it here.

Explore other reviews about New York Life

5.0
11 May 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great culture and leadership team.

Cons

None as yet so far

5.0
9 Oct 2015
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Right out of college, I had an opportunity with the New York Life. Being young I felt that I was at a disadvantage but I worked hard, I was relentless, and ambitious. My first full year, I was able to make a six-figure income. It wasn't easy but is medical school easy? Is law school easy? The training and development at New York Life was unmatched. I knew nothing about the Insurance and Financial Services industry until I was given an opportunity at New York Life and the training was exceptional and has led me to the success I have today.

Cons

You have to work hard, be relentless, entrepreneurial, invest a lot of time and effort into the business and above all, expect a higher standard of living and strive towards that goal every single day.

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New York Life Response
9y
Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback – we appreciate it. As you say, a successful career as an agent requires dedication and commitment. For many, including you, the professional rewards are worth it. But we do understand that starting out in this career is not always easy. That’s why we offer new agents continuous training and support, to give them the advantages they need to succeed.
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