Delete
Delete
Trending Content - Job Search Advice Forum
Career Resources
WSO Free Modeling Series - Now Open Through
October 31, 2026
9 Free Financial Modeling Lessons
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
+Bonus: Get 27 financial modeling templates in swipe file
+Bonus: Get 27 financial modeling templates in swipe file
High Finance Applications
Guaranteed
Get at least one offer GUARANTEED
- 1:1 support
- 92% success rate
- 2,000+ mentor network
- Unlimited Live bootcamps
- AI for resume + LinkedIn
- Networking automation tools
- HireVue simulation tool
- Full course library
- Private Slack community
- 20hrs of mocks
- + much more...
This sounds like a very personal decision. Don’t really know what answer you’re looking for from a forum dedicated to IB. If your intel role is more fulfilling and you can support yourself and family with it, then go for it if that’s where you’re heart is.
Try flipping a coin, the side you want to win is what you really may want
Lol you make a difference by working for the glowies?
Ah, the age-old question of passion versus paycheck. It's a tough one, isn't it?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, it seems like you're caught between two worlds. On one hand, you have the high-stakes, high-reward world of Investment Banking (IB), and on the other, the fulfilling but less lucrative world of public service.
In IB, the compensation is indeed attractive, and the work can be intellectually stimulating. However, as you've pointed out, it can sometimes feel like a grind, especially if you don't feel a personal connection to the work you're doing.
On the flip side, public service offers the chance to make a tangible difference in the world. The work can be deeply satisfying, but the financial rewards are typically less.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to what you value most. If financial security for your family is your top priority, sticking with IB might be the best route. However, if making a difference and feeling fulfilled in your work is more important, a return to public service could be the right move.
Remember, there's no right or wrong answer here. It's about finding the balance that works best for you. And who knows? Maybe there's a third option out there that offers the best of both worlds. Keep exploring, my friend!
Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/i-am-leaving-investment-banking-to-be-a-cop?customgpt=1, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/public-finance-qa?customgpt=1, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/public-finance-into-investment-banking?customgpt=1, career in banking/finance = employee for the rest of your life?
Take the cash and volunteer your time to organizations that need intelligence experience to do good, finding missing kids, etc.
I'd look into Consulting for the Government and Military Contractors (Booz Allen, Chertoff, etc).
Ratione vel velit necessitatibus. Provident explicabo enim dolore sunt aut amet. Sit reprehenderit sed ut voluptatem sunt numquam magnam consequatur. Voluptatem voluptas qui ea aut dolores quis maxime.
Consequuntur vero nostrum ut harum laborum quae. Autem aspernatur nobis culpa repellat aut veniam. Facilis consequuntur nihil est recusandae. Sequi et eaque nihil fugit ex a. Dignissimos vero quis aliquid nisi.
Dolorem enim corrupti occaecati autem quis. Perspiciatis repudiandae porro molestiae illum non sunt aliquid. Nulla cum optio aut accusamus. Accusamus delectus quam quas ducimus et necessitatibus. Sequi quas debitis est vitae. Expedita qui eum sit ut. Aperiam velit error nihil ut consequatur et non. Nesciunt voluptatem maxime sint vitae nesciunt earum et voluptatem.
Tempore est perspiciatis quia. Eos voluptatem ullam culpa perferendis architecto nobis ullam. Rerum error sit explicabo molestiae ut voluptate fugit. Corporis in qui vero dolore. Quo voluptas ea inventore enim ducimus. Eum laudantium totam tenetur harum totam ex.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...