If you believe you are a good analyst, it seems like the best option for you would be to move to a better LO where you would see an immediate step up in comp as well as a path to continued comp growth. sure you might not be able to do this immediately, but if you are a good candidate this seems highly achievable if you are patient and invest some time into it. take this with a grain of salt

 

Depends on how good you are, you have to be very objective and honest  about this point. Most of the bright analysts out there will unfortunately be average....Then you need to ask yourself how high your risk tolerance is, as MMs are more meritocratic than LOs but by definition would blow up some good apples every now and again. If both tick your boxes, you should sign up. 

 

Coast for now imo - until the economy improves / cycle turns. LO gigs r still way more chill / fun you don’t wanna be stressed covering 50+ names ….

 

Depends on what you want. If LO vs MM was absolutely better or worse, there would be a significant talent skew and that is not the case.

In MM, if you’re good and join a good team, you’ll make millions. If you’re not good or have a bad team luck, you’ll be exited within 1-2 years. At larger platforms, the team issue is mitigated as there are plenty of teams hiring all of the time.

So it’s a choice between 300-400k for a long time with less pressure vs. 200-multi 7 figures for 0-10 years (before becoming a PM or exiting) with more pressure. The decision depends on personal confidence, risk tolerance, and desire for work life balance. If you are highly confident you’re above average stock picker and/or don’t mind the extra stress and hours, it’s a no brainer and vice versa.

 

I think the flip side is joining a LO that has smaller teams with significant amount of capital. Those places probably gives you better risk-adjusted path 700k-$1M+ earnings with less career volatility. Granted there aren’t too many of these shops, but they are out there and some aren’t even mentioned on WSO.

 
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Thinking of making jump from LO to MM. I've seemingly flat lined at my boutique LO shop and progression from here is likely slow both in terms of comp and responsibility. Asset levels/revenues are way down at our shop, as is morale, and the firm does not seem to care about appointing any new sr analysts/partners. Can coast and make 350-400K but with no upside. Feel like I have a good understanding of what a MM role entails but curious for the opinion of anyone who has already made the jump. Was it worth it or no? Obviously will get some biased answers specific to that individuals situation but would still love to hear some wider, albeit anecdotal, color. Sign on bonuses seem pretty fat which seemingly de-risks the decision. Feel like I have other options if it doesn't work out (back to LO, SS, corp IR).

With your experience and assuming that you neither short nor have discretion you will start in a very junior seat at a MM.  MMs heavily discount LO years.

 

I understand that moving from one role to another can be an important step in your career. However, before deciding to move from LO to MM, you need to carefully consider various factors to make an informed decision. First, you should understand that MM positions usually require a higher level of competence and responsibility than LO positions. If you feel that you can't handle the demands of an LO, then perhaps MM won't meet your needs either. Secondly, you should realize that moving to MM may require a significant change in your work style and skill requirements, which can be a challenge. However, if you are able to meet the demands of the new role, then it can open up new opportunities for you in your career. Thirdly, you should consider the financial and other benefits of moving to MM. If you're getting some pretty fat sign-on bonuses, then this may reduce the risk of making the switch. However, you also need to consider what opportunities will be available to you in your new role and how they will impact your career going forward.
 

 

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