I have "bobbed and weaved" through this industry in 25 years.
Downsized six times despite great numbers, evaluations, etc.
If it was not for the "breaks" I had over the years, I would have left this industry a long time ago. This industry sucks the life out of a person, because no matter how hard you work, it is never good enough for them. Even after I won President's Club, I was told "what next", what plan do I have now. It is a total mess. And now, I think the job is more micromanaged than ever, and the pay is not good compared to how much silly games we have to play.
My advice to people is really think about what you want out of life and stop making the paycheck the number one priority. Make a plan of escape, in other words, and implement it as soon as possible.
If you make this industry a "career", you will suffer, mentally, physically, and spiritually, because you are in an industry that induces much harm to society.
and if you don't understand this, you are living in denial or are just not very intelligent.