Feeling Lost: Pivoting Out of Finance Options?

For those who left finance, where did you pivot to?

I did one year of investment banking at one of the top BB's and left without a job a year ago. Therefore, I have been unemployed for a year or so. I just didn't enjoy the work, culture and people much and don't think the typical exits you get from IB (PE/HF) are for me. I have been looking for IR and corporate banking roles (as they're more relationship driven and less live and breathe analyses) but they are more limited and I only had 1 year of experience.

I'll be candid: I can do the work but I am simply not very interested (especially the nitt and gritty of financial models) and monetarily incentivised to work till 2:30am's on daily basis. Additionally, I do not want to feel dreaded showing up to my next job and feeling depressed most of the time. I also realised that my peers actually do exhibit some form of interest in finance where they personally invest and read outside of work. However, I can't bring myself to do so and I just want to escape if I am spending at least 16 hours a day on work.

Therefore, I'm asking for options to pivot out of finance. I am well aware that I will be forgoing the prestige/salary and I am totally fine with that! Also, I did my undergrad in econs/finance in UK/Europe and I will be more than happy to do a masters program (leaning towards the US more) to pivot accordingly. I will not be taking a loan to fund my masters, therefore finances will not be an issue.

I was looking into doing data analysis or product management and would like to know your thoughts on it especially when massive layoffs within tech are happening now in the US.

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