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Been there and know exactly how you’re feeling. Current second year but during that first year there wasn’t a single day that went by that I didn’t think of quitting or feeling like I wasn’t adequate. You’re definitely not alone and I know exactly how you’re feeling.

Id recommend trying to last at least one year if you can - whether that just be pushing back or even just slacking, I would fight to survive. You could be the worst analyst and they wouldn’t fire you before the one year mark.

Obviously if it’s to the point that it’s really starting to lead you down a dark path, you could quit right now and still be fine. I know someone who quit after 3 months and does corporate strategy at a F500. Regardless, you will be fine and even if I’m a stranger I’m here for you.

 

Thanks for this and it means a lot to hear that I’m not alone in these feelings. Definitely can echo feelings of not being adequate enough and not “fitting in” with the group. But I’m making it my ultimate personal goal to reach the one year mark.

 

You’ll make it, I know you can. At the end of the day it’s just a job - we earn pieces of paper that we don’t have to kill each other for food.

No matter how bad you think you are at the job, in the worst case they wouldn’t let you go until that one year mark.

 

not much to add, but sad to hear it’s still this way. all the best. i left after 1.5y into corp and boyyy was it worth it. that being said, you’ll look back at your analyst stint with no regrets more often than sometimes 

"we do not reach the peaks of these mountains, without first learning to give up our want to surrender" - shanke koyzcan
 

i wouldn't have had the opportunities imho, hadn't i done IB

nor the skillset and contacts to thrive

"we do not reach the peaks of these mountains, without first learning to give up our want to surrender" - shanke koyzcan
 

I almost did this, but toughed it out because everyone told me to. Idk how things would’ve turned out if I left earlier. Tbh, the first year was tough but I found my second year much more manageable. Learn to push back and speak up for yourself, prioritize yourself and not the job. My analyst years were very fundamental to my personal development, and wouldn’t have done it any other way. Looking back I’m glad I got through such a tough moment and came out stronger on the other side. On the other hand, I feel like I would have been much happier, healthier, and made more money if I joined my post-analyst gig sooner. But still don’t regret the decision I made

 

Hi ! I’m posting under various trending discussions in hopes to get my post seen. I would very much appreciate any advice anyone can share!

I have been financially independent since I was 15 years old. Thus, as you can imagine an affording school incredibly difficult. For years I have struggled with housing, food insecurities (I was homeless when I was a teenager).

Now, I have gathered my life up as best as I can. Got a GED, currently enrolled at NYU sps 3.8 GPA in international business and management. The downside? I’m 25 years old with one more semester remaining until graduation. I work FT to afford school and pay for school with my own money so it has taken me a long time to graduate.

I just want honesty, is IB not in my cards? I really want to become an investment banker, even if it means going to grad school (have been looking to apply to Columbia MBA) . I just feel like I’m so old and behind . Would appreciate any advice on next steps, I don’t have anyone to give me advice.

 

You have a strong story. Your resilience, work ethic, and independence are assets in IB. Being 25 and finishing later is not a dealbreaker. Focus on networking, building technical skills, and framing your path as a strength. Grad school can help but is optional. Keep pushing forward and be confident in what you’ve overcome.

 

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