Career advice for a student looking for WLB in London

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some career paths in finance that could offer a respectable work-life balance (WLB) while allowing you to work in London:

1. Corporate Banking:

   • Generally offers better hours compared to investment banking.
   • Involves working with corporate clients on lending, cash management, and other financial services.
   • Can provide a good balance between work and personal life.

2. Asset Management:

   • Typically involves managing investment portfolios for clients.
   • Offers a more predictable schedule and fewer hours compared to other finance roles.
   • Allows for a focus on long-term investment strategies.

3. Equity Research:

   • Involves analyzing stocks and providing investment recommendations.
   • Generally offers better hours than investment banking.
   • Can be intellectually stimulating and provide a good balance.

4. Wealth Management:

   • Focuses on providing financial planning and investment advice to high-net-worth individuals.
   • Offers a more client-facing role with better hours.
   • Can be rewarding both financially and personally.

5. Risk Management:

   • Involves identifying and mitigating financial risks for an organization.
   • Typically offers a more stable work schedule.
   • Can be a critical and respected role within financial institutions.

6. Compliance:

   • Ensures that financial institutions adhere to laws and regulations.
   • Generally offers a good work-life balance.
   • Provides a stable and essential role within finance.

7. Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A):

   • Involves budgeting, forecasting, and analyzing financial performance.
   • Offers a more predictable schedule and fewer hours.
   • Can be a strategic role within companies.

8. Treasury:

   • Manages a company's liquidity, investments, and risk.
   • Typically offers better hours compared to front-office roles.
   • Provides a critical function within corporate finance.

These roles are known for offering a better work-life balance compared to more demanding areas like investment banking or private equity. Given your background and goals, these paths could provide the balance you seek while allowing you to work in London.

Sources: Working Abroad - Regrets/Benefits, Who is happy & satisfied with their current role?, Work/Life Balance - Hours, One day to decide: US or UK?, best job for work life balance?