Experienced Financial Advisor in TX seeking Asset Management in the North East

Hello all,
I have been in Financial Services since 2007, and I am delighted to find such a unique online community as I really do need some career advice. I first started in finance working in customer service for 401k plans at Fidelity Investments. From there, I transitioned to retail customer service which eventually evolved into a Financial Advisor career path (unfortunately, I was unable to keep my book). During this time, I earned my CFP designation which increased my earnings potential and made me vastly more marketable. In 2014, I left Fidelity to move into a paraplanner position where I created financial plans for an advisor's clients. I made this move to a mostly non-client facing position as I felt that I was too introverted to be a financial advisor. Unfortunately, the earnings potential as a paraplanner is meager to say the least, and it is not a fulfilling position. In 2015, I joined a small Broker/Dealer firm as a Retirement Plans Consultant to other financial advisors due to my strong background in retirement plans from my experience with Fidelity.

While I am happy to be where I am in terms of my position and compensation, I would prefer a role that is more centered around private equity or investment banking up in the north east. I feel that my earnings potential could be significantly higher (despite higher cost of living) up north. What I struggle with is knowing exactly what jobs could be fulfilling for me while also providing me with the salary that I desire. I also need coaching on what sort of additional education would be best. I am trying to decide between getting an MBA vs. the CFA to make myself more marketable for prospective employers in the North East. I also need to network and obtain introductions to key people in places like NYC, Chicago, and Boston to broaden my prospects. I am thankful for this community, and I looking forward to working with others who are willing to lend their experience and insight.

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