Am I going to get fooled by the "endless grind"?
Having to choose between 2 IB BB offers, I have to make a crucial decision. It's not only about which offer to choose, but about which way should I approach IB / my professional career (a "mean" or an "end")
Offer 1 allows me to stay in my home country (close to family / friends, where I know I want to live in the medium-long term), save a very relevant sum and get close to the financial independence goal if I make it through the Associate years. Dealflow is meh at that place, probably more a Balance-sheet bank, but still a very decent brand. Culture is decent, obviously still banking hours.
Offer 2 is a Top BB in London (coverage group). Comp / savings would be overall lower (since HCOL vs my home country). In principle, this role would motivate me more (i.e. not just pursue it for "utilitary" reasons, but because I'm interested in the industry I would cover, dealflow would be larger, perhaps I could be given more responsibility, etc.). Also, there is the thing that this would feel like a big challenge, adapting to a new environment, and there could be the motivation to show myself that "I could do it"
Nevertheless, I'm not sure if I'm fooling myself thinking about the pros / motivations of Offer 2, just to discover that IB is still IB after all (with even worse hours). Yes, there is an edge in exit opportunities, but apart from MF / UMM PE, there isn't a clear difference, and not sure how MF / UMM would be very different from the banking experience (hierarchy, hours, type of work, etc.). There is 0 guarantee that I could return to my home country if I take Offer 2 (actually, I have been told its very difficult)
I have fought a lot to be where I am now (studied endless hours, grinded in Tier 2 IB). Not sure if my inner self would be 100% ok taking the "easy" choice, but then again...I feel that as an Associate I should be mature enough not to fool / damage myself
Perhaps taking Offer 2, trying it and then realize I want to go back wouldn't exactly be financial optimization, but could lead me to gain a new experience and then come back (through this bank or lateralling) being more "in peace" with myself.
On the other hand, after all this grind, taking Offer 1 would imply having a "chiller" life (still IB, but a more familiar environment), and maybe a better quality of life in general. But I am not sure how I would avoid regretting not taking Offer 2
Am I a victim of the "rat race" for the next "most prestigious" job or are my thoughts justified?
What do you guys think?
Offer 1 sounds like a better option for your long-term outlook. It’s a marathon not a sprint in my opinion.
I think I will have nandos today for dinner
I’ll take offer 1 any day. Like others said, it’s a marathon not a sprint. When you’re stressed, seeing your loved ones really helps. Also they will care for you as well. You have an easier time dealing with culture of the group in your country. I think if you don’t like the group in your country, can totally transition to another group/profession and crush it.
Would take offer two simply becauseI think it would be an incredible experience to live in another country for a few years. You can probably comeback pretty easily if that's what you decide in a year or two.
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