The life insurance profession is facing a pivotal moment. Over the next 10 years, more than 110,000 financial professionals are expected to retire. That represents about 38% of the industry’s workforce and over 41% of the assets they manage.

This gap is growing just as demand for financial guidance is increasing. As the nation enters what experts call Peak 65, more Americans are reaching retirement age than ever before. With that comes greater financial complexity, especially around retirement income, healthcare, and legacy planning. People need professionals they can trust, and the industry must be ready to serve them.

There is good news. According to the latest Life Happens and LIMRA Barometer Study, 42 percent of respondents say they would consider a career in financial services. This signals a major opportunity to bring in new talent and strengthen the pipeline.

NAIFA is committed to helping professionals not only enter the industry but build lasting, successful careers. That begins with early engagement through programs like Future Leaders, which connects college students with career opportunities in insurance and financial services. For those starting out, NAIFA offers resources that include the LUTCF designation, LILI leadership training, mentoring programs, study groups, and graduated membership fees to ease the financial burden in the early years.

Through these programs, professionals are empowered to stay in the business and thrive. In fact, many members say they would not be here today without the support they found in NAIFA. Once they find their footing, they discover a career built on service, trust, and purpose.

At a recent event, the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) asked some NAIFA members why they chose this profession. Jeff Ryan of NAIFA-Maryland said this: “The work that we do isn’t just selling policies. It truly is (about) protecting families that we love, the communities that we love and the impact that we have on the lives around us. That is really the reason why I do what I do today.”

Jeff’s testimonial and those from other life insurance agents speak to the heart of why this work matters. Watch the ACLI video: Why Did You Choose a Career in Life Insurance?