New Job. Crazy PM. Feeling Lost.
Joined a mid-sized MM fund last year from sell-side research. The company is great so far - colleagues are very cooperative and the firm prides itself for its no-asshole policy. Sadly my PM has been an asshole so far. He's made lots of people unhappy in the fund before I joined. Not going into the details but he bullied me so much in the first month (verbally and physically) that two colleagues separately came to me after work and told me that they have seen everything. They believe I should report his behaviours to the management or HR and start looking for a job.
Obviously I won't report to anyone just yet. My PM has clearly some issues (damaging relationships with his employer every 1-3 years and changed to another fund) but I also think one of the reasons he's being so difficult is because he's not making money and the management is currently assessing whether to keep him or not. He's not a bad person - I believe once he starts making money maybe things will improve. I have also learned quite a lot in the job and genuinely enjoy it so far. It's worth noting that my PM is pushing to give me some trading responsibilities which is quite rare.
However, I've been working so much, been humiliated so much and it's starting to weigh on my mental health. I don't see how this can continue in the long term. Recruiting is too early as I am only three months into my job and I've got zero interest from headhunters/BDs who used to send me messages every month. One thing that might help is to build more visibility within the company. When I was at the sell side my boss encouraged me to basically talk to everyone in the bank or clients as much as possible. Many MDs knew me so it was difficult to pick up on me. Now I am new to the fund and my PM doesn't allow me to talk to anyone internally or externally without his approval. I don't want to talk to management without them reaching out to me as that would come off as overstepping. However, when my PM is fired I also don't want to be remembered as some random guy working under him. I am very close to quitting, but my work visa is currently dependent on this job. I wonder if anyone has any idea what I could do?
Navigating a challenging situation like this requires a mix of strategy, patience, and self-preservation. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some actionable steps you can take:
1. Prioritize Your Mental Health
2. Build Internal Visibility Strategically
3. Document Everything
4. Position Yourself for the Long Term
5. Network Externally (Discreetly)
6. Leverage Your Work Visa Situation
7. Consider Reporting When the Time is Right
8. Stay Patient and Focused
While the situation is tough, your ability to navigate it with resilience and strategy will ultimately make you stronger and more prepared for future challenges. Keep your head up, and remember that you're not alone—many professionals have faced similar situations and come out stronger on the other side.
Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/asset-management/qa-breaking-into-the-asset-management-industry?customgpt=1, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/how-to-gain-credibility-as-a-young-professional?customgpt=1, What lessons you learned the hard way so everyone else doesn't have to?, 4 Tips for Being a Better Leader, Guide to building a successful career at ONE company: Internal Networking
You sound like the abused wife that rationalizes the husband beating her to stay in the relationship.
Going through P&L losses is part of a PM's job, happens every year, and isn't an excuse to behave like an ass.
You should probably heed the advice of your two colleagues and report this internally.
Dude what? This isn’t 1980 we have workplace conduct standards for a reason
physical bullying?
sounds like a case for workplace harassment or even assault
“He's not a bad person”
He physically abused you?
Wtf? Do you have Stockholm syndrome? This is absolutely unacceptable behavior, report and sue
Develop a spine for yourself, I'd suggest therapy.
You sound like a total pushover and your PM def knows this as well, which is why he’s using you as his personal frustration fleshlight. These bosses with unresolved mental health issues have a great spidey sense for who can they bully. Escalate internally and see what happens. If anyone tries to fire you then you hire an employment attorney and it would be an auto win and cash out type situation. Grow a spine and stand up to this man child. Good luck
Youre on work visa. That's a different kind of pressure.
You can and should document this stuff for your own records, should you need it.
Sounds like there's at least a 60% chance he blows up in the next 1-2 months. Gets cut before he hits his stop. If thats the case, and if your fund places internally, then strategically wait it out.
If not, contact someone senior at the fund that you can confide in. Talk to anyone you want.
Thank you, everyone! I wonder what would be my story when I interview for the next job? Obviously can’t say I’m being abused but a short time at the current company really looks sus. Saw this thread and still don’t know what’s the best approach.
I have a 4-year experience at a sell-side bank on my CV before I joined.
https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/hedge-fund/pm-is-a-nightmare
Was about to say what MMPM did re DV... not funny.
You need to record these incidents as they happen. Memorialize them. And definitely speak with HR or a colleague -- you are building a body of content that will help you should you (1) need a lawyer or (2) have a credible threat of a lawsuit / make sure your employer treats you right or gets you onto another team.
OP here. Somehow can't edit the post so I'll comment here.
I became borderline suicidal in the end and had to take meds to continue living. I thought I could continue, but when my sister on the phone asked me to quit I suddenly realised how sick I had become to want to continue working there. I quit without having anything lined up and reported my PM's behaviours. The fund paid me only a few grands but I thought I wanted to move on so I just took it. I found a job within two months after quitting.
After talking to a few colleagues and headhunters, I realised how notorious my PM is and feel very bad about myself not knowing it before quitting my sell-side job.
If you see this post while you are interviewing for a HF job, make sure you do proper due diligence. If the PM is covered by the most junior salesperson in the bank, it's a red flag. The positive comments from the junior salesperson also don't mean anything. If you can't get any info about the PM from anyone then it's a huge red flag. If you are already working for a physically abusive PM, please quit as soon as possible. Your life matters more than anything.
Happy to hear you got out and found a new gig. Thanks for the update, hopefully it's a wake up call for others in a similar situation.
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