Dream Job vs Dream Location
Hey all, wanted some input here. Am entering my mid 20s and have been fortunate enough to live to one of the nicest cities out of college but the roles in finance are very limited, I enjoy what I do but it’s not exactly my long term career goal.
I have an opportunity to join a fixed income trading team in Philly, but I’ve never lived in the area nor know much about it, but S&T was something I wanted to pursue in college but missed the boat on, there’s always a chance I don’t like it but overall I’m confident I’d love that career path
any advice?
I’d also be making same I do in a VHCOL area, so that’s a bonus
Don't miss the boat again - take the role, and have fun in Philly. It's a cool city with a lot to do.
Could you comment on living in Philly?
I mean dream location is a tax haven like Monte Carlo but that's not happening
Monte Carlo won’t help you if you’re a US citizen.
Im in the same boat. Im starting at a better role than i was doing later this year but not excited for the city at all. It honestly has me dreading moving there. Maybe in hindsight i could have picked the lesser job but stayed in the amazing location. Maybe things will change once I start but for now, not looking forward for the move at all.
I feel you brother -- it can be hard because you're seeing folks who start off in a great city from the get go and never have to really move...which enables you to set up a vibrant, durable social life and stay in a place you like outside of work. Sometimes gotta make tradeoffs but either way make the best of what you have even in that new city -- go and make friends aggressively, date, find hobbies, etc. Worst case, you travel every 2-3 weekends to visit friends / parents / fam / etc
Wow. In a pretty similar boat (posted in AM forum just yesterday). Very hard to say man, if it's your dream job might be worth taking for 2yrs before bouncing
Let me know what you decide though -- I'll eventually update my post with whatever happens as well
Good luck to you as well, what role are you deciding between?
Two different jobs in LO equity research. It's a tough decision
My advice - take the dream job and get the relevant experience, then start looking for the dream location
Take the dream job, every time, especially if you are in your mid 20s. Later in life you will have real geographic restrictions that may not allow you to take the dream job again (e.g., family).
It doesn't even have to be a dream job, but if you are getting much better experience at one job over another, always go with the experience, even if the other job is in a more desirable city. The fact that this is a "dream job" makes it all the more reason to go.
I went through a similar dilemma earlier in my career, I had a great job opportunity in a city where I didn't know anyone. Had lesser opportunities in cities where I had family or friends. I chose the better job opportunity and do not regret it at all. It wasn't easy at first, but I eventually made friends through my job and developed a decent social life in the new city. I stayed longer than I thought I would, had a good time, gained the professional experience, and then moved to a city where I had a lot of friends. I would not be where I am today professionally had I not followed that path, in fact, I would likely be significantly behind where I am now.
An added bonus is after I did this, I was much more confident socially because I was able to look back on that experience knowing that I moved to a city where I didn't know anyone, and developed a good social network.
Thanks a ton for the reply.
I agree, maybe i find out it’s not my dream job or what it’s cracked out to be but from the duties in the role, it sounds like very good experience & at a great company. I just hear a lot of black & white things about trading (niche role, no exit ops, etc) but realistically it’s something I want to pursue.
I went through this. Got the perfect job but in the wrong city. Did it for a few years and now have an even better job (and a nice pile of savings) in my first choice city.
My main advice is to make the most of your time in Philly as this is my one regret from my prior job. Think of it as having two years to experience as much as possible in Philly. Don’t think of it as a countdown til you can leave for your preferred city.
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