At some point, a lot of people start asking a quiet question:
“Is this really what I want to do for the next 10–20 years?”
That question is often what leads someone to consider a move into financial services.
Here are a few of the most common reasons I see individuals leave their current career to start fresh in this field:
1) They want work that matters.
They’re tired of tasks that feel disconnected from people. They want to help families make real decisions that shape their future.
2) They want more control over their life.
Not just a different job — but more ownership, flexibility, and the ability to build something that fits their values and their family.
3) They want their income to reflect their effort.
Many are done with “caps,” limited growth paths, or waiting for someone else to recognize their value.
4) They’re ready to build relationships, not just complete transactions.
Financial services is a long-term relationship business. If you like people, coaching, and problem-solving, it can be a great fit.
5) They want to bet on themselves — but not by themselves.
The right environment provides training, coaching, and a team around you so you can grow with confidence.
A career change takes courage. But staying stuck takes a toll, too.
If you’ve been thinking about a change and want to explore what financial services could look like, I’m always open to a conversation.
📞 701-866-9896
✉️ chris.poer@thrivent.com
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
A career as a financial advisor can be an incredible choice — not just because of the income potential, but because of the impact and the life it can help you build.
Here are a few of the biggest reasons I’ve seen people thrive in this profession:
1) You get to make a real difference.
Helping someone protect their family, plan for retirement, navigate a major life change, or build a legacy isn’t “just a job.” It matters.
2) Your work can align with your values.
When you’re in a role that’s built around serving others, trust, and long-term relationships, it feels different. More meaningful. More personal.
3) You can build flexibility and ownership.
Many advisors love the ability to grow a business, develop their own style, and create a schedule that supports both work and family.
4) Your income can reflect your effort and skill.
This career rewards consistency, relationship-building, and personal growth. Over time, you can create a powerful and sustainable income stream.
5) The right company support changes everything.
This is the one that doesn’t get talked about enough. Success isn’t just about talent — it’s about having:
• training that builds confidence
• coaching that sharpens your skills
• a team culture that supports you
• the tools and systems to help you win
• leadership that cares about your growth, not just production
When you combine a purpose-driven career with real support, you don’t just survive — you thrive.
If you’ve ever wondered whether financial advising could be the right next step (or the right next chapter), I’m always open to a conversation.
📞 701-866-9896
✉️ chris.poer@thrivent.com
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Thinking about switching careers can feel overwhelming… but it gets a lot simpler when you break it into steps.
Here’s a process that works:
1) Get honest about what you want (and what you don’t).
Write down what’s draining you, what energizes you, and what you want your work to support—your family, your faith, your schedule, your income, your impact.
2) Identify your transferable skills.
Leadership, communication, problem-solving, relationship building, coaching, sales, service—these skills move with you. Don’t underestimate what you’ve already earned.
3) Explore before you leap.
Have conversations. Ask questions. Learn what the day-to-day actually looks like. You’re not committing—you’re gathering clarity.
4) Find the right environment, not just a new job.
Look for values alignment, strong training, and real support. The right culture will accelerate your growth and protect your confidence.
5) Build a transition plan.
Timeline, income runway, licensing/training steps, weekly habits, and what support you’ll need at home. A good plan turns fear into forward motion.
6) Take the first step.
Not the perfect step. The first one. Momentum often comes after action.
If 2026 is the year you’ve been thinking, “I can’t stay here forever,” this is your sign to start moving—one step at a time.
If you want to talk through what a career change could look like, I’m always open to a conversation.
📞 701-866-9896
✉️ chris.poer@thrivent.com
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures
If you’ve been thinking about switching careers but fear keeps creeping in, you’re not alone.
A career change can feel risky — because it forces honest questions:
What if I start over?
What if I’m not good at it?
What if I regret it?
But here’s what I’ve seen over and over again:
The biggest risk isn’t changing… it’s staying stuck in something that no longer fits.
Most people don’t realize how transferable their skills really are.
Communication. Work ethic. Leadership. Problem-solving. Relationship-building. Serving others well. Those aren’t tied to one industry — they’re assets you can carry anywhere.
And sometimes the fear isn’t a warning sign… it’s a signal that you’re standing at the edge of growth.
You don’t have to have it all figured out to take a step.
You just have to be willing to explore what could be possible when your work aligns with your values, your strengths, and the life you want to build.
If you’ve been feeling that tug toward something different, don’t ignore it.
It might be time.
📞 701-866-9896
✉️ chris.poer@thrivent.com
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Where do you see yourself in 2026?
Is it in the same place — same routine, same frustrations, same “maybe someday” conversation you’ve been having with yourself?
Or is it taking the skills you’ve already acquired and using them to build something better… for others and for your own family?
I’ve learned that growth rarely comes from waiting until things feel perfect. It comes from getting honest about what you want, and being willing to take a step toward it.
Because those skills you’ve built over the years — communication, leadership, problem-solving, earning trust, showing up when it matters — they weren’t just meant to help you survive another year. They can be used to create a career that brings purpose, impact, and stability.
And when your work aligns with what matters most, it doesn’t just change your job.
It changes what’s possible for your family, your future, and the people you serve.
So I’ll ask again:
Where do you see yourself in 2026?
If the answer is “somewhere better,” I’m always open to a conversation about what that could look like.
📞 701-866-9896
✉️ chris.poer@thrivent.com
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
As I look back on the year that was, one word comes to mind: challenging.
This year tested me — personally and professionally.
There were moments that required patience, resilience, and a clear sense of what truly matters.
When things felt heavy, I stayed focused on the fundamentals:
• Doing right by people
• Keeping my values front and center
• Showing up consistently, even when it wasn’t easy
What truly made the difference, though, was the support of my team.
Their willingness to step in, speak up, and support one another turned hard moments into manageable ones. Whether it was offering perspective, sharing the load, or simply reminding me I wasn’t carrying it alone, their presence mattered more than they probably know.
This team didn’t just help me get through a difficult year — they helped elevate the outcome.
Because of their collaboration, trust, and commitment, the year didn’t just end well…
It ended strong.
As I look ahead to 2026, I’m doing so with clarity and confidence — knowing that with this kind of team, we’re not just prepared for what’s next… we’re positioned to grow, lead, and make an even greater impact together.
Grateful for the lessons, the growth, and the people who made it possible.
Onward — together.
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
2026 is about building with intention.
Not chasing noise.
Not doing more for the sake of doing more.
But focusing on what creates lasting impact.
For me, the vision is clear:
✅ A culture where people feel supported, challenged, and appreciated
✅ A team that wins through collaboration, not competition
✅ Growth that’s built on integrity, consistency, and doing right by others
✅ More development, more coaching, and more momentum — for every advisor on the team
I want 2026 to be a year where we don’t just measure progress by results (although results matter).
We measure it by the strength of our relationships, the quality of our leadership, and the difference we’re making in the lives of the people we serve.
I’m excited for what’s ahead — because I know what we’re building, and I know who we’re building it with.
If you’re stepping into 2026 thinking, “I’m ready for more — more purpose, more support, more opportunity,” I’m always open to a conversation.
📞 701-866-9896
✉️ chris.poer@thrivent.com
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Plan your finances for the people, causes and community you love | ThriventAs I look ahead to 2026, I’m thinking less about titles and targets — and more about impact.
Moving forward in my career means continuing to build something that’s rooted in values, not noise.
A place where people are encouraged, challenged, and genuinely supported.
Where success is shared, collaboration is expected, and growth is intentional.
In 2026, I’m committed to:
• Investing deeply in people, not just results
• Creating space for meaningful work and meaningful lives
• Leading with integrity, clarity, and consistency
• Building teams that feel both successful and fulfilled
Progress, for me, isn’t just forward motion.
It’s alignment — between what we do every day and what truly matters.
As the new year approaches, I’m asking myself:
Am I building the kind of career — and culture — that I’d be proud to invite others into?
The answer is yes — and I’m continuing to grow my team in 2026.
If you’re thinking about what’s next in your own career and want to have a real conversation, I’d love to talk.
📞 701-866-9896
✉️ chris.poer@thrivent.com
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
As we embark on a new year, many people are asking themselves big questions about purpose, fulfillment and what they want next in their career.
If you’re feeling that pull, consider exploring a financial advisor career at Thrivent. Whether you want to build your own practice, join a team or grow on our Virtual Advice Team, you’ll find a path that’s both meaningful and rewarding.
Explore our career paths: thriventcareers.com/4pP2CA6
For seasoned sales and financial professionals ready for a new chapter, Thrivent offers a place where your experience becomes the foundation for bigger possibilities.
Whether you’re building a team or advancing as a financial advisor, you’ll have the tools and support to grow in a meaningful career.
Take the next step in your career journey: thriventcareers.com/3MaLxlM
We know how meaningful work can be when it aligns with your values. At Thrivent, our financial advisors are encouraged to bring their whole selves to their career - including the beliefs that guide them every day.
Explore a rewarding career opportunity: thriventcareers.com/4iCEMVP
Ready for a new chapter in your career? If you’ve been successful connecting with people, earning trust and delivering results, you may be a great fit for our team.
As a Thrivent financial advisor, you’ll have the opportunity to:
✔️ Help clients gain financial clarity and confidence
✔️ Grow with rewarding pay and ongoing support
✔️ Shape a career where your skills create
lasting impact
Learn more about our financial advisor paths: thriventcareers.com/4oDKg4q
We believe that being a financial advisor isn’t just about growing wealth. It’s about helping others create lives filled with purpose and generosity—and creating that life for yourself, too.
As a Thrivent financial advisor, you’ll benefit from:
🌟 A supportive, values-driven culture
🌟 Attractive pay and benefits
🌟 Opportunities to advance your career
Whether you’re an experienced financial advisor or transitioning into the field, you’ll have the tools, independence and support you need to succeed.
Learn more: thriventcareers.com/4qAM53Y
"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands." - Isaiah 55:12
In financial advising, numbers matter — but values matter more.
Anyone can run projections or design investment strategies.
But the best advisors go deeper — they help people align their finances with what truly matters most to them.
Because when money follows purpose, everything changes.
Decisions become clearer. Goals become personal. And financial planning turns into something far more meaningful — a reflection of someone’s values, not just their balance sheet.
That’s why purpose is at the heart of everything we do.
Because this work isn’t just about managing wealth — it’s about helping people live out what they believe in.
If that kind of work speaks to you, let’s talk about how you can build a career where purpose and prosperity meet.
Chris Poer
Market Director, Thrivent Financial
📧 chris.poer@thrivent.com
📞 701-866-9896
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
At Thrivent, there’s no one-size-fits-all path to success as a financial advisor.
Whether you’re drawn to the freedom of building your own practice, the collaboration of working on a team, or the flexibility of serving clients virtually, you’ll do work that matters while building a career that’s truly your own.
Each career path offers training, support and the freedom to grow on your terms.
➡️ Explore all paths: thriventcareers.com/4nvkkrJ
Thrivent is partnering with a company called Empathy to offer a new grief resource. Empathy offers the tools and resources to support families through the difficult experience of losing a loved one.
Empathy can be accessed via app, online and over the phone. Care Managers provide personalized guidance and custom care plans for helping manage both the emotional and practical aspects of loss.
Learn more about this new membership benefit: https://bit.ly/43H43Zn
Behind every strong career is a strong support system.
No matter how driven, ambitious, or focused you are — none of us do it alone.
It’s the people who stand beside you that make all the difference.
For me, it’s family — the ones who celebrate the highs, steady you through the lows, and remind you why you’re working so hard in the first place.
They’re the reason balance matters.
They’re the reason achievement feels meaningful.
And they’re the reminder that success without connection isn’t really success at all.
In this business, I’ve seen time and again that when people feel supported — at home and at work — they thrive.
That’s the kind of environment I’m committed to building for every financial advisor on our team.
Because when your career and your family both get the best of you… that’s when life feels full.
Chris Poer
Market Director, Thrivent Financial
📧 chris.poer@thrivent.com
📞 701-866-9896
See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Plan your finances for the people, causes and community you love | ThriventPeople who truly care about others make the best financial advisors.
This career isn’t about products or portfolios — it’s about people. It’s about sitting across the table from someone who’s unsure about their future and helping them feel confident again.
The best advisors don’t just listen to numbers. They listen to stories.
They notice the small details. They remember what matters most to their clients. And they show up — not because it’s their job, but because they genuinely care.
When you care deeply about others, everything changes.
Conversations become meaningful. Relationships become lasting. And success becomes a byproduct of service.
👉 If you’re someone who leads with empathy, compassion, and a heart for helping others, you already have the most important quality of a great advisor.
Email me at chris.poer@thrivent.com
or call 701-866-9896 — I’d love to show you what’s possible when you build a career around caring.
