in mortgage broker world it is a bitch to leave a firm
why? you need to make sure you own your leads/pipeline (you cannot transfer closings over)
it takes forever for licenses/background items to clear
you can leave anytime but you need to time it very well, pipeline/closings/ramp up with new shop
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i always recommend people take 2-3 days of vaca and spend time at the new job while you are there. get a true feel for it all.
i will drag out leaving as long as possible to close my pipeline out/milk it etc etc