The salary usually goes away at the brokerage house and the quotas are always increasing. Just my 2 cents....don't look at the immediate picture only, look at what you like and enjoy, first and foremost!!!!! I would go for the trading desk job. A financial advisor has great deal of potential but it is a glorified sales position with lots of bullshit and promises. The forecast for this job is good as the baby boomers retire and supposedly have money to invest. The downside is everyone is chasing the few "high networth" clients and your life will be spent asskissing these rich jerkoffs. Trade part time and learn from the trading desk as much as possible. Good luck