New job. New house. No kidding.
It’s a lot of work. But playing your cards right and landing an entry level insurance job can set you up for success in both areas.
Insurance is big business right now. And if the timing is right to get ahead of the curve, establishing yourself early is the smartest move.
Here’s what you need to know…
What you’ll pick up:
- Show Me the Money: Why Insurance Is a Great Career Choice
- How to Nail Your First Insurance Job
- Now it’s Time to Set Up Your New Home!
- Balancing Career and Home Growth
Show Me the Money: Why Insurance Is a Great Career Choice
Insurance agents enjoy some of the most stable careers out there.
In fact, research shows that 88% of insurers will be hiring or maintaining their employee levels this year. That includes entry level insurance jobs too.
Customer service and claims positions are especially common entry points into the field. This means it’s possible to work up from day one, even without prior experience.
For anyone looking to apply for insurance jobs in Tucson, entry level positions are available there as well. Opportunities are everywhere if you know where to look.
Here’s the thing about stability…
If a career gives a stable income from the get-go, setting up a home becomes stress-free. Literally. No more living paycheck to paycheck and wondering if there’s enough to cover all expenses.
Instead, it’s possible to budget properly and have a good idea of what can be spent on a home upfront.
Now how does someone actually land that dream job? Keep reading…
How to Nail Your First Insurance Job
So the job search is underway. Now it’s time to figure out how to actually land one.
Breaking into the insurance industry is simple when you know what insurers are looking for. Believe it or not, entry level insurance jobs want people with no experience.
They just need to know you’re willing to learn and grow with the company.
So what should you do?
Copy and customize your resume for each job you apply to. Use keywords from the job posting. Many entry level insurance jobs require skills like communication, problem solving or detail orientation. Highlight those on your resume.
Get any required licenses beforehand. Most entry level jobs will expect you to hold at least your state’s insurance license already. Don’t get caught unaware come application time.
Research the company. Learn about what they do, where they do it and who they help. Showing up to an interview with knowledge about the company shows you care.
Need more proof? 55% of insurance companies plan to hire more employees within the next year.
That means opportunities are everywhere for those who are motivated to find them. Don’t overthink your job search. Apply, prepare and let things unfold from there.
Now it’s Time to Set Up Your New Home!
Great! Now that the job is sorted let’s talk about actually setting up a new home on an entry level salary.
The bad news? Everything costs money.
Don’t worry too much though. Taking on an entry level insurance job doesn’t mean living in a box until it’s time to upgrade. With some patience and know-how it’s possible to set up a comfortable home without breaking the bank.
Here’s how…
Prioritize Your Needs, Wants Can Wait
Furniture comes later. Once there’s income and housing sorted, it’s time to start thinking about the furniture game.
But, if furniture is needed like yesterday, skip to the shopping section below.
When setting up a first home, this can’t be stressed enough. Buy only what’s needed to live comfortably until the things that are wanted become affordable.
It’s easy to get caught up in making a house feel like a home right away. But furniture adds up quickly. Down payment on a home. Furnishing that home. It happens fast.
Focus on the bare necessities and save money where possible.
Budget for Every Expense & Track Spending
Write down every expense. Yep, every single one.
Before making any purchases take inventory of what will be spent each month. Rent/mortgage, electric bill, internet, food, transportation costs. Whatever comes to mind.
Give yourself a spending limit per category based on what’s left over each month. Then don’t spend a penny more than that.
Use a spreadsheet to track expenses and housing setup costs. That way it’s always clear where the money is going at a glance. Staying organized here is KEY.
Buy Used When You Can
Not everyone has an unlimited budget. And not everything needs to be brand new.
Picked up that cheap laptop from a thrift store? Credit that to home furnishings. Furniture doesn’t have to be new to be good.
Secondhand stores, online marketplaces and outlet stores are a best friend when setting up on a budget. You’d be surprised what folks are trying to get rid of in your own neighborhood.
- Search Facebook marketplace
- Stop by local thrift stores
- Check out outlet stores for major brands
Trust the process, your wallet will thank you later.
Keep an Emergency Fund Door Open
Best for last. Even once everything seems all set up, try to squirrel away a little extra for rainy days.
You never know when a car is going to break down or a doctor visit pops up. Having a few hundred dollars set aside can mean the difference between bouncing a check and paying for that unforeseen expense.
It’s technically possible to furnish and set up an entire home from thrift stores. It just takes a little dedication.
Balancing Career and Home Growth
Alright so the insurance job is squared away. And the new home is slowly but surely set up on a budget.
Now what? How does someone keep improving at both?
Truth is, they’re not mutually exclusive. Improving a career and home life works hand in hand.
As long as there’s deliberate effort in both, earning more feeds directly into further improving the home.
On the job front, do your best, learn everything possible and take on more responsibility. Entry level insurance jobs often have predefined growth tracks.
Employers want to keep good people around. So take any training or mentoring offered and run with it.
When it comes to the home, don’t feel like everything has to be done on move-in day. Buy the basics, make it livable and improve the space slowly.
You’ll be surprised how far things can come when the focus is on steady growth in both areas.
Tips:
- Set career goals for your first 6 months and 1 year on the job
- Set up automatic transfers to a savings account. That way savings are always building towards home improvements.
- Keep the commute manageable. Energy is needed for work and home life.
- Don’t compare your home setup to anyone else.
Let’s Recap!
So starting a career in insurance and finally setting up a home of your own is completely possible to do both!
Here’s what you learned…
- Entry level insurance jobs are plentiful and want newcomers
- Prepare and apply to as many jobs as possible
- Budget carefully and set up a home as it becomes affordable
- Buy used when possible to save big on furnishings
- Grow your career and home life together by being deliberate
With how strong the insurance industry is right now, there’s never been a better time to get started. And with a solid plan for setting up a home along the way, you’re golden.
