Is it worth going to banking/finance at 33 ?

Hi Folks,

I'm 33 and finishing off MBA. Looking at Linkedin profile I see people of my age have already hit the Director/SVP post so I will be starting at the lowest of the ladder or does buy side offer better life-work balance at this stage ?

P.S I do have an MS in Quant Finance as well.

 

If you are thinking about work/life balance, I would avoid IB/PE...

also, not sure how an associate/VP would feel managing someone older than them... However, if you express interest in smaller shops in non major markets, you will have a better shot

what is your background? Other than two masters

 

Hi Stalin,

I ran a startup in early career which failed spectacularly and then worked in Operations for a mid sized insurance company.

"smaller shops in non major markets"- can you elaborate on that ?

 

Smaller shops, meaning those with less employees, less deal flow and less competition for new hires. This could help with the work/life balance you are interested in.

Major US markets: http://peopleof.oureverydaylife.com/financial-hubs-8292.html

Every city with a half-decent central business district has a handful of M&A advisors who need analyst/associate level support. Some of these groups even outsource analyst services (fun fact)

 

The issue wouldn't be how the Associate/VP would feel managing someone older. Most people I know couldn't care less. The question is if he could put up being managed by people younger than him. Also, could he put with having buy-side folks younger than him like me putting in requests to him constantly for information during a process. At 33 I couldn't do it. I'd be laser focused on banging my wife and popping kids out. However, if you're fine being managed by younger folks go for it. I've seen ex-military folks deal with it fine. I've seen pretentious folks have a tough time with it.

I like the smaller shops idea. If you can find some lower MM IB shop let's say in NC, Atlanta, Boston, NYC, etc. that would be your best shot at the work/life balance thing. Again, I've seen older associates and it's possible. However, I couldn't start the track at 33.

 

Hi I-Invest,

Apart from traditional I-banking what area of finance would be a smarter choice....like research etc. I'm not married now so could do away with the life/work balance for couple of years but do feel that age is catching up in terms of agility.

 
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