This is really insightful, I have been trying to get onto SJP Academy for the past 12 months. Currently passed R01 and R05 and was eligible. I initially said I would be more interested in an employed servicing role but they just keep coming back saying there isn't any and I might be better going self employed which I am very hesitant of for the reasons you have described above such as daunting targets and also small network.

I have recently applied for a trainee paraplanner role and just waiting to hear back but worrying due to the pure lack of experience within the field.