These companies range from very large mutual fund management companies to self-employed financial planners. They also include managers of pension funds, commodity pools, trust funds, and other investment accounts. In this area, there is a great deal of pressure to meet deadlines and acquire new business. Researchers, financial analysts, and investment managers working for brokerage and mutual fund firms also work long hours, researching and evaluating companies and their markets. Frequent travel to visit companies is common.
Financial planners work in offices or out of their homes.
Most work regular business hours, but many accommodate clients by visiting them at their homes in the evenings or on weekends. Administrative support workers usually work a 40-hour week, but overtime may be necessary during times of heavy trading. The securities and commodities industry employed 644,700 wage and salary workers in 1998. An additional 102,000 workers were self-employed. With their large network of retail sales representatives located in branch offices throughout the country, the large nationally-known brokerage companies employ the majority of workers in this industry and are located in New York City.