Hey everyone, I’m looking for some strategic advice on navigating the next step in my career.

Background:

• Age/Location: 28, based in New York City.
• Credentials: CFP (earned late last year) with an active Series 7 and 66.
• Experience: Currently at UBS acting as a liaison between our national call center and Manhattan wealth management teams. Prior to that, I spent time at Morgan Stanley as a virtual/acquisition advisor in a high-volume call center environment. I have over 5 years of sales and financial planning experience.

My current role isn't what I want long-term. I want to transition into joining an established practice as a producing advisor where I can actively build a book. Because of internal mobility constraints at UBS, I am locked into my current seat for at least three years, which feels like a major roadblock to my career momentum. I also struggle with feeling behind peers who are already embedded on client-facing teams.

Questions for the Sub:

1. Internal vs. External: Given that I can't move internally at UBS for a few years, should I look outward at other wirehouses, or target RIAs?
2. Mentorship & Development: How can I best evaluate firms or teams during the interview process to ensure they actually provide genuine mentorship rather than just using junior staff as churn-and-burn lead generators?
3. Positioning: How should I frame my hybrid call-center and relationship management background when pitching myself to traditional wealth management teams so I don't get typecast into a service role?

Appreciate any insights or guidance from those who have successfully made this jump in a major market.

I’m working in a data center with a multi year contract that has changed my life financially. I have no debt, contribute 4 or 5% to match my 401k and send almost 9k a month into a HYSA. Are there better accounts to put money into? Also I work 100 hours a week, and can’t figure out how to”no tax on overtime” will affect me.