Say you get an offer for another (better / preferred) role maybe in PE / Corp Dev, etc before your 1st year is over. Does it screw you to jump ship before getting a year of experience, or better to say F this and take the new opportunity? Asking since of course, the typical view is 2 years of IB --> exit. Also, make this regardless of bonus.
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If you have an exit secured that you want, go for it assuming you won’t run into any major financial issues with bonus clawback. However, make sure it’s what you want because leaving the next job in 1 year will look bad. The stigma of having to stay at a job for a long time is dead now; don’t switch jobs quarterly, but it’s not uncommon to see good workers hopping between jobs every other year on average.
It's become much more common to leave at or around 1 year - used to be all but unheard of and now I'd say ~15-20% of people leave within the first 16 months. If you have a better opportunity (and you think you'll stay there for 1-2+ years to avoid looking like a jumper), and you're either all set on bonus or okay with losing bonus, just take it. Your group might be a little pissy, but assuming you've been there ~9-10 months you're not screwing yourself in the long run whatsoever.
Check your contract for a sign on bonus clawback though, it will likely be gross pay (what you got + taxes, then the taxes are eligible to be refunded next filing season)
It doesn't screw you, but none of the opportunities you'll receive are not once in a lifetime roles. Stay the full year, get the credit for what you've done, get your bonus, and then dip if you want. Staying >1 year looks way better than 1 year, especially at the beginning of your career.
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