I have some experience working in financial services. I presently work as a statistician for a large regional bank, but my first job out of college was a sales role with a large insurer. I actually enjoyed the work quite a bit, but I found working on straight commission to be difficult for an aspiring family man. I followed my supervisor at the insurance company to the operations department of the bank where I presently work.

The role of a "financial adviser" is typically sales-oriented. It's actually quite easy to break into the profession, but much more difficult to enjoy sustained success (that requires networking, prospecting, studying, and a bit of luck). You're resume doesn't have to be perfect, either. Most companies just want to know that they are hiring a decent man or woman with an excellent personality and work ethic.

No doubt, it's a difficult path; however, I have a few former colleagues who absolutely enjoy their work (and are well compensated). I'd encourage you to pursue this route. Start out my submitting your resume to some of the larger insurance companies or broker-dealers like Northwestern Mutual, Thrivent Financial, or Edward Jones. As long as your resume is clean, I can all but guarantee that you'll get a hit. The industry experiences high turnover and recruiters are always looking for new advisers.