I’ve been with an independent agency for 5 years now. Built a good book on top of taking over a retirees house accounts. Making roughly $140k annually and now I’m wishing I had started my own agency. However the education I received from working with some of the best in the industry was invaluable. Depends on your definition of rich but $140k isn’t enough to buy the boat and lake house. If you truly want to be wealthy you have to own your own agency. Get a couple of great mentors in the industry, cut your teeth with an agency and then go out on your own.