Boredom. Intellectualism. Meaning?

Second year at a BB and over the past few months I’ve been hit with the wave of boredom.

I understand every process and the thought of selling the same products / pitch is not the fulfilling future I want.

I look at my associates / VPs / seniors with almost a disdain wondering how they cannot be going insane doing the same exact day for years. Fundamentally maybe their personalities and brain lack the creativity which is somewhat of a positive for enduring?

I know deep inside private equity will exacerbate this so I’ve ruled that out.

I think my answer lies in a startup or biological sciences given the amount of research and raw learning you do but interested in any thoughts.

2 Comments
 

It sounds like you're grappling with a classic case of "mid-banking existential crisis," which is more common than you might think. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and potential paths to consider:

  1. Startups and Entrepreneurship:
    If you're drawn to creativity and raw learning, startups could be a great fit. Many ex-bankers find fulfillment in the fast-paced, innovative environment of startups. You could explore roles in product management, operations, or strategic finance at a startup, or even consider launching your own venture. Joining startup clubs, networking with founders, and immersing yourself in the tech or biotech space could help you transition effectively.

  2. Biological Sciences and Biotech:
    Your interest in biological sciences aligns well with roles in venture capital (VC) focused on biotech, technology commercialization, or even R&D management. As highlighted in WSO threads, you don't necessarily need a PhD to break into these areas. Start by reading clinical data, scientific papers, and networking with experts in the field. Curiosity and a willingness to learn can go a long way.

  3. Strategy Consulting or Corporate Development:
    If you're looking for intellectual stimulation and variety, strategy consulting or corporate development roles at a Fortune 500 company could be worth exploring. These roles often involve solving complex problems, analyzing new markets, and working on high-level strategic initiatives.

  4. Broader Career Exploration:
    Consider taking time to explore other industries or roles that align with your interests. As one WSO thread suggests, fields like tech, healthcare, or even academia can offer fulfilling and intellectually stimulating careers. Supplementing your skills with coding, data analysis, or other technical expertise could also open doors.

  5. Reassess Your Goals:
    It's worth reflecting on what truly excites you. Is it the learning curve, the impact, or the creativity? Use this period of boredom as an opportunity to pivot toward something that aligns with your passions and long-term goals.

Remember, you're not alone in feeling this way, and many have successfully transitioned to more fulfilling careers. Take small steps—network, learn, and experiment—to find the path that resonates with you.

Sources: Healthcare / Biotech Venture Capital?, As my username suggests, not sure what to do..., Why You Should Reject that Start-Up Job, Medical School --> IBanking, Interesting (Post-MBA) Exits from Banking

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
Funniest

Soluta laborum debitis beatae rerum omnis perferendis. Sint hic explicabo est consequuntur. Quasi nostrum molestiae eius quibusdam et voluptas. Enim dolor explicabo mollitia rerum id recusandae. Velit consequatur recusandae ea et et molestias nihil. Ipsa voluptatem in modi expedita. Consectetur doloribus consequatur quidem natus voluptatum beatae occaecati. Necessitatibus et maiores molestiae error nisi.

Eum et est veniam. Hic et quae aut voluptates blanditiis molestias. Veritatis dolores voluptatem velit esse sed quaerat dolor. In accusantium qui dignissimos iusto. Ut repellat qui quis dolores voluptatum.

Dolorem ipsam veniam eos accusantium pariatur in hic. Et reprehenderit ut porro praesentium beatae sequi eum. Consequatur totam quia quia necessitatibus. Ipsam sit doloremque asperiores ullam.

Sapiente quaerat ducimus sit qui. Earum exercitationem quas nisi est earum laborum. Dolorum adipisci vero quas hic accusantium quas iure eligendi.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (48) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”