IB —> French Foreign Legion
Mutual friend/connection left during second year analyst (14mo in) and after no contact for a few months, we found out he joined the French Foreign Legion, confirmed by his (now ex) gf, parents, and close friends through pictures. For context he was on a globally top ranked team at a MM bank/top domestic, degree from a top 3 school in the country he worked at, and not French in anyway, from a western country (think US/UK/Canada/EU).
The more I read about this the more insane it gets. 5 year minimum contract, fighting the “forgotten wars of the world” (whatever that means?), and basically a way for people to “start over no questions asked”. What’s most confusing is why he didn’t use his degree to become an officer in his home countries military, or even just enlist.
I guess literally going to war is better than IB.
Based on the most insightful WSO threads, this situation is not as uncommon as it might seem at first glance. The transition from investment banking to something as extreme as the French Foreign Legion often stems from a mix of personal, psychological, and existential factors. Here are some key points to consider:
Burnout and Existential Crisis:
Investment banking, especially on a top-ranked team, is notorious for its grueling hours and high-pressure environment. For some, the relentless grind can lead to burnout or a deeper questioning of purpose. Joining the French Foreign Legion, with its "start over, no questions asked" policy, might feel like a radical escape from the corporate rat race.
Appeal of the Legion's Mystique:
The French Foreign Legion is often romanticized as a place for reinvention, discipline, and camaraderie. Its reputation for "forgotten wars" and global deployments might attract those seeking adventure, a sense of purpose, or even a way to test their limits in a completely different environment.
Why Not Home Country's Military?
While enlisting or becoming an officer in one's home country might seem like a logical step, the Legion offers anonymity and a clean slate. For someone looking to completely detach from their past life, the Legion's unique structure and culture might be more appealing than the traditional military path.
The 5-Year Commitment:
The Legion's five-year contract is indeed a significant commitment, but for some, it represents a structured, all-encompassing environment where they can focus solely on the present without external distractions. This might be particularly attractive to someone disillusioned with the corporate world.
"Forgotten Wars" and the Reality of Service:
The Legion is often deployed in less-publicized conflicts or peacekeeping missions, which might align with a desire to contribute to something tangible and impactful, even if it comes with significant personal risk.
Cultural and Psychological Factors:
Coming from a Western country with a top-tier education and career, the decision might seem irrational to outsiders. However, it could reflect a deeper need for reinvention, a break from societal expectations, or even a response to personal challenges or traumas.
Ultimately, while the decision might seem "insane" from a traditional career perspective, it likely reflects a complex interplay of personal motivations and circumstances. The French Foreign Legion, with its unique ethos and opportunities, offers a path that is as unconventional as it is transformative.
Sources: People wondering whether they should quit their IB job to join the military, Join the Military, See the World! - Pivot into being a Leader and Perks of Serving YOUR Country!, People wondering whether they should quit their IB job to join the military, Q&A: CFA Charterholder, left finance to join the Army, now going into IB, How did Macron become an MD and partner at Rothschild so quickly?
I did the opposite. I’m American, joined the Legion at 18, transitioned to the reserves to go back to the States to start college, broke into the HF industry post grad (with the help of WSO, sincerely). I enjoyed my time in the Legion. Very surprised to see it mentioned on here.
Why the foreign legion rather than the US military? Just curious.
This is super cool - any interesting stories? Deployments? People you’ve met in the legion?
i joined due to problems back home. lots of varied backgrounds in the legion (i could go on forever), but one of the best friends i made there had a phd in sociology from UChicago. in his words, “why travel the world to meet new people, when in the Legion people come to you”. and that pretty much sums it up.
Some people are just wired differently than the rest of us.
Username checks out! (In a good way)
alpha move right there
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