6 months after accepting a return offer to a top Euro BB NY office and I feel like I still haven’t made it. I think because of always hearing JPM GS MS being referenced in the finmeme and media space (stupid I know but it all starts to feel relative once you’re here). Has anyone else had this experience / have advice on how to feel fulfilled even if you’re not crushing WSJ front page deals every month at GS?
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You'll be happier the day you realize that "prestige" for the sake of "prestige" is worthless.
Yeah I guess that’s the mindset you need, I think it’s a fear of missing out on “cooler” deals but what I’m perceiving as cool is somewhat superficial
Barclays unironically has the best culture of any BB on the street bro, trust me, appreciate it lol
lol really didn’t leave much to the imagination reading my OP again. That’s great to hear tho, hoping once I’m in it that I’ll realize this is an asinine concern to have
It is dude, my buddy works at GS and it's not a meme, you will be worked hard, it's fun to not be concerned about that stuff from the outside and brush it off, but trust me, when you actually start working you appreciate it a lot more.
The imaginary dick measuring contest on this board ends once you realize:
a) 80% of users aren't even working
b) we all end up making $150k to $250k all-in regardless and there are few people at the extremes
I kinda feel this too. And then I realize that if I was working at GS/JPM I would be working Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, have no vacations, etc. And in reality I’m cruising by, still getting “good experience,” but actually have a life.
Even when your deal hits the front page of the WSJ, it's not like some lifechanging moment, from experience. You buy the print copy and life rolls on.
Find validation and happiness outside of prestige/WSO/finmemes - it helps a lot to have (sustainable) hobbies in banking so pick some up now
Obviously hobbies are totally personal preference but any insight on what you’ve found enjoyable in the city? I’m a big biker / surfer/ skier aka things you’re not gonna be doing in NYC / have the time to do as a first year.
Don’t worry — in about 9 months you’re going to be annoyed at yourself for joining a bank at all, let alone a sweaty “Big 3” US BB, so it’ll all balance out.
Life really better on the other side? Had a middle market PE internship sophomore year and I’m itching to get back.
Marginally, but that’s not really a compliment. Think leaving your abusive spouse for another abuser, but at least the latter goes to bed a little earlier.
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