Selling life insurance to strangers - Insurance Agent New York Life Employee Review

2.0
Jun 20, 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

You get to set your own schedule. You work as much or as little as you want.

Cons

Training isn't too helpful. They cover most topics in 2 weeks then just repeat everything over and over. They will tell you to start by selling to your family and friends which most people are not comfortable doing. Beyond that, its up to you to find sources of business. Through cold calling, going door to door, talking to strangers on the street at a table/kiosk. Not much guidance. 100% sales based commission. When you start they tell you about "training allowance" of up to ~$2300/mo. Its a little misleading in that it sounds like a stipend but is still tied to sales. What training allowance actually is, is they match your sales by 80% up to $2300/mo. So in order to received your $2300 you need to make $2900 in sales, and you'll have $5200. No sale = zero pay.

Explore other reviews about New York Life

5.0
Jun 3, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great brand with high levels of training and support. Good work-life balance and supportive managers who don't micromanage. Benefits include good pay, decent PTO, tuition reimbursement, bonuses. Agents enjoy full autonomy over their schedule, the ability to work with clients they choose, and untapped commission potential. Training is strong, with clear advancement paths toward financial advisor and management roles.

Cons

Commission-only structure. Agents must generate their own leads with no real structure to daily activities.

5.0
Oct 9, 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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