Feeling stuck and apathetic
3rd year of banking, getting into my 4th. Haven’t closed or worked on any live deals. Struck out of buyside recruiting.Lateraled from another bank thinking this new one would help with recruiting or at least deal reps, but realized it’s basically the same thing I’ve been doing for the past 3 years - pitching, admin, infrastructure work. Also overestimated the exit opps associates have (relatively)
It’s difficult not feeling a little bitter as the analysts the years below me are starting their buyside jobs. Simultaneously, I recognize I don’t particularly desire buyside and that it’s mostly FOMO and the fear of external perception driving me to do it. Mostly I feel empty day to day, doing the same fake work I’ve been doing for 3 years.
I also don’t know if corporate or buyside will be that much more fulfilling. I hope I’m not overly cynical and that there are people in corporate America and high finance who are not necessarily fulfilled by their jobs, but are at least excited to progress their careers and enjoy some aspect about their job. If so, I want to figure out how I can rediscover this surface level fulfillment at least. Part of me thinks lifestyle finance jobs that demand all your time are just inherently incompatible with leading a multi-faceted, fulfilling life for people who don’t find that much fulfillment for their careers.
Have an internal timeline to quit post bonus this year. I have no idea what I want to do but I know right now all I’m doing is collecting an (admittedly large) check. I’m in my early 20s but it really feels like I skipped straight to my 40s. The golden handcuffs, apathy, and external perception driven lifestyle is grating on me and I don’t know how or where to start redefining what I value.
Looking for advice but also just curious if anyone else is experiencing a similar situation? Obviously caveat that this is an extremely privileged position to be in and that I am grateful to even have this higher order problem.
Least you’re experienced.
Navigating through a period of disillusionment in your career, especially in the high-pressure environment of banking, is a challenge many face but few openly discuss. Your feelings of stagnation and the search for fulfillment are not uncommon. Here are some actionable steps and considerations based on insights from the Wall Street Oasis community that might help you rediscover your drive and perhaps, a path that aligns more closely with your values and interests:
Self-Reflection: Start with a deep dive into what aspects of your job, if any, you find rewarding or interesting. Is it the analytical work, the thrill of closing deals, or perhaps the client interaction? Identifying these can guide you towards roles that emphasize what you enjoy.
Explore Lateral Moves: Since you've identified that the buyside might not be for you and have concerns about corporate roles, consider exploring other areas within finance that might offer a different pace or type of work. For example, roles in venture capital, fintech, or even within your current organization that might offer a different perspective.
Networking: Engage with professionals across various sectors and roles. Sometimes, hearing firsthand about the day-to-day realities of different jobs can either spark a new interest or help you realize what you're not looking for. Networking can also open up unexpected opportunities.
Skill Development: Use this time to build on your skill set. Whether it's learning more about digital finance, coding, or even soft skills like leadership and negotiation, enhancing your capabilities can make you more marketable and open up new paths.
Consider a Sabbatical: If financially feasible, taking some time off post-bonus to explore other interests, travel, or volunteer can provide you with a fresh perspective. It's not uncommon for such breaks to lead to epiphanies about one's career path.
Professional Guidance: Sometimes, speaking with a career coach or a mentor can provide clarity. They can offer an objective view of your situation, suggest options you might not have considered, and help you strategize your next steps.
Prioritize Your Well-being: Lastly, ensure that your job isn't taking a toll on your mental health. Engaging in hobbies, spending time with loved ones, and practicing mindfulness can help you maintain a balanced perspective on work and life.
Remember, feeling stuck is often a precursor to growth. Many professionals have been in your shoes and have successfully navigated their way to fulfilling careers. It's about taking that first step towards exploring what truly resonates with you.
Sources: I have no idea what I want in life anymore. Any tips on soul searching?, Feeling unfulfilled in sales, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/early-career-disillusionment-where-has-my-drive-gone?customgpt=1, Anyone else fed up with the banking/finance industy?, unhappiness
Maybe have you considered that you are not a good performer and you are not a good fit for the industry? There is nothing wrong with that, you can go explore other options that might interest you more. It just sounds like the industry is not exciting at all to you, and buyside roles wont be any better
I’m ranked consistently mid bucket - not a bad performer but not great (exactly the A2A type). I honestly think I could make it through to VP just showing up but I think the deeper issue is don’t find any excitement or joy in my work. Making more industry slides, profile decks and generic valuation materials for the next 3 years is extremely discouraging.
I have an intuition that working on deals is probably more meaningful so I’m thinking about lateraling to a high deal flow bank in the next year. I just don’t know how that would look on my resume given I just lateraled. I’m at an EB, but the group I’m in is low deal flow.
I’m also thinking about applying to LMM PE and accepting the brand / pay cut for learning. I’m also considering just quitting entirely and trying to pursue entrepreneurship. I don’t know if I’ll regret it later but I’m barely working or learning anything right now.
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