They classify stress as “average”, whatever that means. Well, that depends on what causes you stress. CareerCast ranked being an insurance agent 155 out of 200 on the list of worst jobs. A good income compensates for a lot of stress for many people, so that helps.
The study confirmed that chronic stress has a toxic effect on insurance agents. Not only does it harm their health, but it also makes it difficult for them to make decisions, maintain their levels of sales activity, and remain motivated and optimistic. Economic instability adds an unpredictable element to an already difficult job. Agents face pressure to get sales in a market where customers may be reducing their expenses. Now, let's put this parable back into a more realistic situation.
The normal stress of an insurance agent involves meeting potential customers, selling and running your business. Each of these functions requires self-imposed deadlines, quality expectations, and performance expectations. As an independent insurance agent, it's important to work with a company that values people above all else, a company like Bluefire Insurance. As a consultant to insurance agents, I am faced with many examples of the destructive power of stress in the business of operating an insurance agency. Good insurance agents must fully understand the terms of complex insurance policies and evaluate customer needs to ensure adequate coverage.
They enjoy discovering their insurance needs and the process of organizing insurance programs to meet those needs. Insurance agents are also people with family members (parents and spouses) who must think about their personal obligations, despite the turbulence in the insurance markets and the long list of clients who also need your protection. Many former captive insurance agents encourage others to regain their freedom when they become independent insurance agents.
