If you had to do it all over again, what would you do? - 2024 Edition

Based on previous WSO threads, here are some insights on whether professionals would choose to stay in finance or switch to a different sector if they had to start over:

1. Switching to Tech or Quant Roles:

   • Many professionals mentioned they would consider moving to tech or becoming a Quant. The appeal of these fields often lies in the different work-life balance and the nature of the work itself.

2. Staying in Finance:

   • Some individuals, despite the challenges, would still choose finance. They appreciate the skills and experiences gained, even if the journey was tough. For instance, one user mentioned that while they wouldn't want to relive the grueling hours, the knowledge and career advancement were invaluable.

3. Personal Preferences:

   • A user shared their experience of switching from a Computer Science major to a Math and Economics double major because they disliked coding. They found more satisfaction in finance, even though it also required long hours.

4. Investment Banking Experience:

   • Another user highlighted that their time in investment banking was crucial for developing analytical skills and wouldn't trade that experience, despite the demanding nature of the job.

5. Career Reflections:

   • Reflecting on college decisions, some users would have made different choices regarding internships, networking, and even the schools they attended to better align with their career goals in high finance.

In summary, while some professionals would consider different paths, many still value their finance careers for the skills and opportunities they provided. The decision often hinges on personal interests and the specific experiences one had in their career journey.

Sources: If you could start over, would you still be in Finance?, Would you redo IB again, Q&A: Completed Four Years of Banking, You Get to Redo College