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.
 
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