I’ve been with my current employer (a small/mid-sized commercial P&C insurer in a niche market) for over 3 years now (my first position after completing my undergrad). I have a few questions:

1. What types of fields/markets/carriers offer the best work-life balance and overall happiness?

2. How difficult would it be to switch to, say, life insurance or mortgage underwriting?

3. Which fields/markets/carriers offer the best compensation and growth?

Is the grass greener somewhere else?

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What niche are you in now? I switched from Proffesional Lines E&O to Workers Compensation, and it was hard to make a lateral change due to the knowledge gap. I feel like you'd need to figure out what type of underwriting interests you and then look into which carriers might be the best fit. The big ones tend to pay the most, but they can be the worst ones to work at as far as work/life balance goes. I'd recommend looking at MGAs also. There are some good opportunities there, and I'm hearing that they pay well. I would also recommend looking into designations. They can help get you noticed.

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Hey, thanks for the reply. Currently in the Religious market (churches, mosques, etc). Also working on my AU (completed AU 60-62 so far). I’ll have to look into MGAs as I’m not very familiar with them.

I've been around enough to know that more money won't fix a terrible work environment. I believe you should always try to better yourself and move up if that's your desire. Constantly job hopping to make more money is seen as immature, and you will eventually start to get passed over for jobs that you are qualified for. The last thing we like to see on an Underwriters resume is four jobs in seven years.

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Nice job on the designation! Keep at it. I'd recommend the ARM to CPCU path if you go the P&C. I know of the church/religious insurers. Brotherhood mutual was a big presence in a town where I used to live. You need to figure out what seems interesting and go from there. NEVER CHASE MONEY. Chase your passion and money will follow. I know a lot of UWs and brokers who hate their job, but they make a lot of money. I promise you that you won't feel like you need a bunch of "stuff " if you like your job and are content in life.

Always chase the money. There are always atleast 3 jobs that pay more than what you are currently making that have the same exact environment in this industry.

UAs should make 75-85k
UW 1s should make 95-105k
Senior UWs should make 115-135k
Executive (whatever you company calls the next level) 145-185k
AVP 200k+
VP 230k+

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Overall happiness is very specific to the person, the role, and other factors (family, location, etc.).

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