As I read Adam Gardiner’s article “Time to Hang Up the Spurs?,” I reflected on the exciting changes happening in our industry creating real opportunities for new and veteran adjusters alike.
But, I couldn’t help but wonder whether those in a position to capitalize on the changes will embrace these opportunities or be blinded by what could be awaiting them.
Let me share a true story about two of our students, Jimmy and Beth.
Jimmy was unemployed prior to class but invested what little money he had in adjuster training. He was a model student and upon graduation, he was offered a 3-month inside position making about $400 per day. He was excited about the job and ready to earn that money! That is, he was excited until he heard about his classmate. You see Beth was offered a CAT adjusting job making $1000 a day and upon hearing that, Jimmy’s excitement about his new job quickly faded. Learning about Beth’s offer completely changed the way Jimmy felt about his, even though nothing actually changed about the job.
He simply could not get past Beth’s good fortune and wanted the same for himself.
Jimmy called me in despair and was considering leaving. We had a frank conversation and, to his credit, he finished the 3-month deployment. But he came very close to burning a bridge with that employer, all because the job didn’t meet his overly-high expectations or ‘ideal’ position.
For a newly-licensed adjuster entering the industry, the great pay and long-term deployment of an inside adjuster position can (and should) be very appealing. For others who have heard of or experienced first-hand the ridiculous earning potential of CAT adjusting, it may be difficult to see that a position that pays just $400 a day is, in fact, a really solid opportunity.
The Human Condition
Of course, stories like that of Jimmy are not unique to the adjusting world. It is part of the human condition and starts at a very early age. If a child expects 3 pieces of candy but gets 2, he’s disappointed. But, if he only expects 1 and gets 2, boy does that candy taste good! Satisfaction often hinges on expectation.
One of my favorite bloggers is Paul Jun of Helpscout. In a recent article, he used an excerpt from the book The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander to illustrate how perspective is key in molding our perception of an opportunity.
Paul’s excerpt truly shows the power of perspective:
“A shoe factory sends two marketing scouts to a region of Africa to study the prospects for expanding business. One sends back a telegram saying:
SITUATION HOPELESS STOP NO ONE WEARS SHOES
The other writes back triumphantly:
GLORIOUS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY STOP THEY HAVE NO SHOES
To the marketing expert who sees no shoes, all the evidence points to hopelessness. To his colleague, the same conditions point to abundance and possibility.”
Gaining Perspective
In discussing the importance of taking advantage of opportunities, perspective is the key to whether we embrace an opportunity with gratitude, or turn it down due to unreasonable expectations.
At AdjusterPro we are often asked, “how do I get into the industry?” While there is no one correct answer, we do offer suggested routes. Being licensed in multiple states is incredibly important as it makes you a more attractive candidate to IA Firms who handle claims for multiple carriers in multiple states. Making sure you have additional training like Xactimate and Carrier Certifications is also key. Apply to more than just the big firms and then follow up with diligence. There is one piece of advice, however, that applies to everyone:
Once that opportunity presents itself…take the sure thing. Say “yes” and then keep saying “yes.”
Even if it is not exactly what you were looking for, the money will be good, you’ll gain invaluable experience, and, most importantly, you’ll begin your career.
IA Firms like people who say “yes.” It shows commitment. It shows dependability. And it shows desire to be a part of the team. Then, when new opportunities arise, IA managers will first look to fill spots with those folks who said “yes.”
Bottom Line:
Don’t let your expectations blind you to a great opportunity. A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush.
Just getting started? We recommend the following steps to begin your career:
- Get your home state license – The Truth About Adjuster Licensing
- Get Reciprocal Licenses – Increase Your Odds
- Get Trained in Xactimate – Get Started
- Get your State Farm Certification – Read More at State Farm Certification
- Apply for Roster of Major Adjusting Firms – AdjusterPro IA Firm Employer Directory
Then, say YES to the opportunity that is put before you.
