23M Early Career FA – Stick Out Small RIA Grind or Take BD Team Salary?

I'm about 6 months into being a financial advisor at a small RIA (~$150M AUM). I’m 100% commission with a 50% payout on whatever I bring in.

Right now I’m building from scratch: cold calling, mainly focused on 401(k) optimization and retirement planning. Year 1 income so far is basically nothing (~$5k). I knew it would be slow, but the reality of the ramp is hitting.

On the other hand, I just got reached out to by a branch manager at a mid-size broker-dealer ( It’s for a Client Service Associate role on a team affialited with the BD:

• $50–55k base
• Mix of ops + recruiting support + calendar/events and stuff like that
• Supposed “path” to becoming a producing advisor down the line

So I’m torn.

Stay where I am:

• Own my book
• 50% payout
• But zero stability (all commison) right now and grinding hard for small wins

Or pivot:

• Stable income
• Exposure to a legit HNW team
• Structured environment
• But it’s technically an ops/support role, not producing

Long-term I want to be a real advisor I don’t care about short-term ego, but I don’t want to accidentally sidetrack myself either.

Curious to hear from:

• Anyone who left an RIA producer seat early in their career
• CSAs at BDs who actually transitioned to FA
• People who’ve seen both paths