Depends on the person - Financial Services Professional New York Life Employee Review

3.0
Aug 27, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Flexible schedule. My manager has been fantastic and supportive. Commission pay outs are high. This company really does want to see you succeed, whatever it takes. They'll apparently hire anyone, but the success of the partners is directly connected to the success of their reps. So most of the partners will do anything to see you become successful. They stand by what they say in the contracts. If you do well, you get promoted. If you don't do well, you won't. They really do put the business in your hands. The products are powerful and the need for this service truly exists. I read a lot of reviews that consider this a scam. It's not. Those are generally whiners who don't understand how must insurance and financial institutions work. Initial positions are generally 100% commission based throughout the industry. That is the norm. That doesn't make it a scam. It makes it a sales position. Work harder and stop complaining.

Cons

The sales culture can be brutal. Anyone and everyone is a potential sale and once you decide to go home, your business closes. If you didn't get paid that day, oh well. People who come into the business with good connections (either within the company or personally) have a much easier road. They'll make sales or receive extra help while many other reps are left to sink or swim on their own. This means the best reps aren't always the best or most knowledgeable salespeople and advisors. Sometimes, they are simply the best connected. I watched as well connected reps coasted on the business of large clients while I worked nights and weekends to pay my bills and get licensed. The company does nickle and dime you. The commission structure is great, but the operating expenses are also high. And the support staff sometimes seems like they couldn't locate their own limbs without directions. Since the company is so large, there is common miscommunication between departments. While the products themselves are excellent, the platform for managing them is awful. Underwriting is nightmarish.

Explore other reviews about New York Life

5.0
May 11, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great culture and leadership team.

Cons

None as yet so far

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.

251
avatar
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.
See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All