I suck at my job

Not sure how much longer I can stay in IB…I have been interviewing like crazy to get out and am still waiting to hear back but the market is tough. Reality is I could get an offer within a few weeks in which case no problem or I could be left waiting for months.

I am so scared I will get fired (feedback was so so but my team is understaffed). Not sure if I should just quit before they tell me to leave. I have no motivation left to learn and get better because I am depressed and anxious all the time and do not want a career in IB/buyside.

I feel physically sick going into work and see my personality changing and impacting my relationships with loved ones.

My question is whether I should just quit and risk being questioned on CV gaps or wait until I get fired and risk having this be found out by a future employer…any advice is appreciated I am at a very low point in my life.

4 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some key points and advice for your situation:

  1. Mental and Physical Health:

    • It's crucial to prioritize your mental and physical well-being. If your job is making you physically sick and affecting your relationships, it might be time to consider a change.
  2. Quitting Without an Offer:

    • If you decide to quit without another job lined up, ensure you have a strong set of references from past roles to counter any red flags from the gap on your resume.
    • Make sure you have a contingency plan if recruiting takes longer than expected. This includes having enough savings to support yourself during the job search.
  3. Handling Employment Gaps:

    • If you have a gap on your CV, be honest about it. You can explain that you took time off to look for a job while auditing some classes or focusing on personal development. Many people value candor over well-spun lies.
  4. Staying Employed While Searching:

    • If possible, try to stay employed while searching for a new job. This can reduce the stress of having a gap on your resume and provide you with a steady income.
    • However, if staying in your current job is detrimental to your health, it might be better to leave and focus on your job search full-time.
  5. Dealing with Being Fired:

    • If you are fired, it's generally advised not to mention it during your job search. You can say that you are looking for new opportunities and are not comfortable listing your current employer as a reference.
    • If asked about the gap, you can explain that you were looking for a job while taking some time to audit classes or focus on personal development.
  6. Recruiting from a Place of Desperation:

    • Avoid making decisions out of desperation. This can cloud your judgment and lead to choices that you might regret later. Take the time to find a position that aligns with your career goals and personal well-being.
  7. Support System:

    • Lean on your support system, whether it's friends, family, or professional mentors. They can provide valuable advice and emotional support during this challenging time.
  8. Reflect and Learn:

    • Reflect on what led to your current situation and what you could have done differently. Use this as a learning opportunity to improve or correct any bad habits or behaviors.

Remember, you're not alone in this, and many people have faced similar challenges. Take care of yourself and make decisions that are best for your long-term well-being and career satisfaction.

Sources: Running out of time and options in a big, big way; have no idea what to do; losing my mind, Burned Out - Quitting w/o an offer?, Being Fired and being upfront about it, Leaving Job with Nothing Lined Up, Quitting IB in 2023 - Burnout

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

Never jump ship before you have a ship to jump to.

Obviously sometimes you don't have a choice but here you do. Keep grinding and saving money. The job market is still shit and you don't want to cast yourself adrift without an offer on the table.

It's a very short period in the grand scheme of things. Stay stoic.

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