Staring at a crossroad

[This a repost from another topic]


I am facing a crossroad in my search for employment. I graduated college last December with a degree in financial services. While in school, I accumulated about a year and a half of general financial services experience, investments and insurance. I really have a passion for the field and enjoy helping people understand their finances. I helped a friend work out a budget for his debt and I helped my mother understand her mutual fund statements.

I took a job with a very well known insurance company in May. After one month there (not even past training), I was shown the door (to add insult to injury, my dog of thirteen years died that same day ). I didn't last there because I couldn't prospect for clients. I was absolutely terrified to call people. And being new to the city, I had very few local contacts. The reason behind this, I prospected like mad when I worked with another insurance company in college. I was illtrained in prospecting at that point and made some people very mad at me, including most of my extended family (no ill will, they just didn't want to do business with me and didn't like the approach I used). Another job in college had me calling 200+ a day for a team of brokers. I did it before, why can't I do it now?

Since the end of June, I've looked for work in my field. I've tried other financial services companies (brokerage firms and insurance companies), banks, & a few other companies. I'm getting nothing. All these companies want me to sell and I'm too scared. A string of interviewers said my skills lie in analysis, not sales. They noticed my demenor and intelligence and attention to details as reasons. My college GPA and extracurriculars are both paltry. An investment bank or consulting firm would laugh at me if I applied to them.

All of my potential opprotunities have now dried up and I am scared. Obviously, changing fields comes to mind. Pride is a big issue, as might be apparent. I worked extremely hard for my licenses and changed my college major my junior year (enduring full loads over two summers as well). I don't want the financial services industry to get the best of me.

I recently went to a course on Biblical principles for money management at my church. I asked the leader if I could join as a counselor for members needing financial advice. I think he's pretty receptive to it. A praise!

FYI I live with my parents and I have a meager stipend I receive each month so my bills are being met.

Any ideas where I go from here? Prayers always welcome!

__________________
"And having done that, which Thou hast done, I fear no more."

It wasn't Prudential, was it? They are very well-known for not giving their new-hires enough training on prospecting.

I wouldn't take it personally, I'd go out and try again with a different company.

God, please show stormgade4 what to do, help him trust You
and lay down all his pride. Please lead him and make everything work
out best. Help him seek & do Your will in this. In the name of Jesus. Amen
God Bless you !!!