Laid off, Career advice - HNW Wealth or Credit at Agency

Ah, the crossroads of career decisions post-layoff—a challenging yet exciting time to recalibrate and pivot towards a path that aligns with your skills and aspirations. Based on the most helpful WSO content and threads, here's a bit of advice tailored to your situation:

1. Leverage Your Network at the Big Bank: Given your warm connections and previous offer for a role within HNW wealth, particularly the Securities Backed Lending Desk, it seems like a promising avenue. Networking is key in finance, and having those connections can significantly ease the transition back. Since you've already rejected this offer once, approach them with a clear narrative of why you're interested now and how your recent experiences have enriched your skill set and perspective.

2. Certifications and Licensing: You're on the right track with the SIE, Series 66, and eventually the Series 7. These certifications not only open doors within wealth management but also signal your commitment to a career in finance. They can be particularly useful if you're looking to pivot into roles that require a deep understanding of financial products and regulations.

3. Consider the Securities Backed Lending Desk Role: This role, being front office, offers a blend of client interaction and analytical work. It's a unique position that allows you to leverage your sales experience while engaging in more analytical tasks. Given your interest in not strictly being an advisor, this could offer a satisfying balance between sales and analysis.

4. Exploring Credit Roles at Moody's or S&P: If your analytical side is calling, credit analysis at a reputable agency like Moody's or S&P could be a fulfilling path. These roles offer deep dives into credit risk, financial analysis, and market trends. The starting salary might be lower than what you've experienced in tech sales, but the stability and analytical rigor could be more aligned with your long-term career goals.

5. FinTech Sales as a Last Resort: Given your successful stint in tech sales and ongoing recruitment opportunities, keeping this as a backup isn't a bad idea. However, your concerns about stability and the need to start from scratch at each new company are valid. If you decide to go down this path again, perhaps look for roles at more established companies or those with products you're genuinely passionate about.

6. Reflect on What Stimulates You: You mentioned that sales are less analytically stimulating. It's crucial to consider what aspects of your past roles you've enjoyed the most and what you're seeking in your career long-term. Finance offers a broad spectrum of roles that can cater to different interests and strengths, from client-facing positions to deeply analytical roles.

Remember, it's not uncommon to explore different paths early in your career. Each experience builds your skill set and helps refine your career aspirations. Good luck!

Sources: To Those Who's Had A Successful Career In CRE, What Advice Do You Have For Younger Generations?, Lost job at L/S HF - looking for advice, To Those Who's Had A Successful Career In CRE, What Advice Do You Have For Younger Generations?, The Last "what should I do with my money?" Thread (hopefully), Just got laid off from my 3rd PE job in 4 years - help!

Ah, the crossroads of career decisions, a place where even the best of us have found ourselves hanging from the proverbial vine. Let's swing through your options with a bit of that Max the Monkey wisdom, shall we?

First off, kudos on bouncing back quickly with the SIE and planning for the Series 66 and 7. That's the spirit! Now, diving into the jungle of options:

1. Returning to the Big Bank: Given your warm connections and previous experience, this path seems like a low-hanging fruit. The Securities Backed Lending Desk role within HNW wealth, which you mentioned was previously offered to you, sounds like a solid branch to swing to. It combines elements of finance and client interaction without the full plunge into an advisory role. Plus, having rejected it once might make you a more intriguing candidate this time around – everyone loves a good "what if" story.

2. Credit at Moody's or S&P: This path seems to appeal to your analytical side. It's a different kind of jungle, more about crunching numbers and less about direct sales or client schmoozing. The entry-level role you mentioned could be a great way to build a foundation in credit analysis, which is crucial in many finance roles. The starting salary might be a step back, but the analytical skills and credibility you gain could be worth their weight in bananas.

3. FinTech Sales Roles: You've mentioned these are your last resort, and it's clear why. The instability and the need to start from scratch with each move can be daunting. However, don't dismiss the potential for growth and learning. Sometimes, the most unpredictable paths lead to the ripest opportunities.

Given your background and interests, it seems like your heart is leaning towards roles that blend analytical tasks with the finance sector's dynamic environment. Whether it's returning to the big bank or venturing into credit analysis, both options offer a solid foundation for a fruitful career. Remember, in finance, as in the jungle, adaptability, and a willingness to learn are your best tools for survival and success.

So, my advice? Consider where you see yourself not just in the next year, but 5 to 10 years down the line. Which path aligns more with your long-term career aspirations? And remember, sometimes the best move is the one that scares you a bit. After all, no great story ever started with "I played it safe."

Good luck, and may your career journey be as adventurous and rewarding as a jungle expedition!

Sources: To Those Who's Had A Successful Career In CRE, What Advice Do You Have For Younger Generations?, To Those Who's Had A Successful Career In CRE, What Advice Do You Have For Younger Generations?, Lost job at L/S HF - looking for advice, The Last "what should I do with my money?" Thread (hopefully), Just got laid off from my 3rd PE job in 4 years - help!