I’m burnt out
A2 and I’m tired. Feel like I’m making more silly mistakes as a result, and just want to get out and do something I don’t dread… and that doesn’t take up my weekends.
I’ve always enjoyed talking to and meeting new people – would consider myself a people person + I enjoy strategy. So thinking something in GTM or Strategy at a relatively newer, exciting company would suit me well.
Idk - just want to get out of doing mundane tasks and then passive aggressively being told it needs to be done differently when I just couldn’t give less of af.
It’s always been the “tried and true” path but I want to start prioritizing myself over money and look back at my life happily and proud of how I spent it (living each day vs being soulless and without meaningful relationships).
Anyways - please share perspective, as I unfortunately get back to it. Another late night doing stuff that doesn’t matter.
It sounds like you're at a crossroads, and that's not uncommon for someone in your position. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s what you need to know:
1. Burnout is a Signal, Not a Failure
Burnout often means it's time to reassess your priorities and career trajectory. Many in high-pressure roles like yours feel this way after a couple of years. The key is to channel this frustration into actionable steps toward a career that aligns with your values and strengths.
2. GTM or Strategy Roles Could Be a Great Fit
Given your interest in meeting people, strategy, and working at an exciting company, roles in Go-to-Market (GTM) or Corporate Strategy at a startup or tech company could be ideal. These roles often involve: - GTM: Building and executing strategies to bring products to market, working closely with sales, marketing, and product teams. - Corporate Strategy: High-level problem-solving, market analysis, and helping the company grow strategically.
These roles are less about mundane tasks and more about creative problem-solving and collaboration, which seems to align with your personality.
3. How to Transition
4. Consider the Trade-Offs
While these roles may offer better work-life balance and more meaningful work, they might not match your current compensation initially. However, the long-term satisfaction and growth potential often outweigh the short-term financial hit.
5. Practical Next Steps
6. Mindset Shift
It’s clear you’re prioritizing happiness and meaningful relationships over money, which is a healthy perspective. Remember, your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Taking a step back now to realign with your values can lead to a more fulfilling life.
If you’re looking for inspiration, check out WSO threads on transitioning from IB to strategy or tech roles. Many have walked this path and found success. You’re not alone in this, and there’s a way forward that aligns with your goals. Keep pushing—you’ve got this!
Sources: Lesser known MBA career options? Looking for advice on what to do post-HBS., Interesting (Post-MBA) Exits from Banking, Corporate Finance/Strategy jobs with great repuations?
Id you’re unhappy then start interviewing and quit one you get something. Not a new feeling / perspective and plenty of people make the shift you’re talking about.
Just get comfortable with the lower comp trajectory and rip it
Probably one of the least traditional exits from banking, but I was in a similar situation at the end of 2022. Completely burnt out and hating my life. I quit and pivoted into wealth advisory for HNW / UHNW clients. I'm sharing this because you noted you're a people person and so am I; this career fits my personality type much better than banking ever did or would.
There is some strategy involved around estate planning and other items, but obviously a huge step down from your current role or other corp dev routes.
I am pretty much my own boss from day to day - no official PTO, timesheets, asking for WFH, and definitely no 2AM passive aggressive comments on a fucking slide deck.
Comp lagged quite significantly for about 18 months, but this year I'll end at around $300k and probably average 45 hours per week. I probably worked past 7pm twice this year (and on my own accord).
It's a pretty good gig if you can find the right practice.
What type of firm did you join? Are you getting leads or self sourcing? I’m thinking of making a similar move.
It's a boutique RIA. You wouldn't recognize the name unless you're local.
The firm has a very good reputation and all the advisors are rockstars so we don't do much marketing. New clients come from referrals.
I'd encourage you to do so. There aren't a lot of ex-bankers that look for these seats so your experience will certainly stand out from other applicants.
This is helpful and a path I’ve considered before for similar reasons — thank you for sharing. Do you think this move is possible after say, 4-7ish years in IB?
Is this the EB that is closer to GS or the EB where you have a gym and uber rides to the office?
I ask because I heard there’s a large lifestyle increase in the latter. If you look up and just see misery leave, but if you see inspiration, I’d stick around
I think it stems from me looking up and not seeing someone who I aspire to be one day. Rather, seeing folks who have dedicated the majority of their lives to client service and chasing the next fee event, and have seemingly de-prioritized the things in life that matter to me (e.g. family, time spent with loved ones, and happiness generally).
Of course, there do exist cases of those who do well and have a happy home – and it shows. In my experience to date, those folks in this job are few and far between, and I have not had the opportunity to work and develop relationships with those individuals.
Then that settles it then. If you look at the lifestyle of the Senior MDs/Partners of your firm and it doesn’t inspire you, time to consider alternatives. I’d do research and network as much as you can before doing so. Get coffee chats with people who work within the industry or companies you’re interested in.
translation: are you at moelis or cvp lmao
In your head would love to hear a bit more about why not take the associate path or PE? Just want to have weekends back + relationships and dont care about it anymore? Would be helpful for me, thanks.
I think my stance at a high level is that sooner rather than later, one must decide whether this route is for oneself. The longer you delay that decision, the more you become constrained by it. “It” being the lifestyle, money, etc. and for me, I’m not sure I’m comfortable with that.
I wouldn’t say I’m fully decided quite yet, but I’ve had low lows where I told myself I’d give this up for a sense of normalcy and peace.
I think there could be a middle ground which is as you described, sticking it out a bit longer. But in that case, there needs to be a set date / scenario where one commits to getting out no matter what (i.e. after the next bonus, or if you continue to be shafted week in and out on unfulfilling projects…).
Come join a trading desk, there are strategy/macro roles too. Really appreciate having weekends (markets are closed) and while during market hours it's usually high focus and intensive, you talk to traders/sales/research/clients, and it resembles a traditional 9-5 in a lot more ways for a job on the street
do people from ib regularly join your desk? thought the skills didnt really overlap
The higher overlap roles are most likely for desk analysts / research roles, where modeling and valuation can directly translate from skills perspective, from a transaction standpoint if you join syndicate or cap markets facing areas, probably leans better connected with market and less technical than banking role. But it sounds like a change of scenery is what OP is looking for, even if not perfect skill match, and as long as you are willing to work towards it, easier to make the jump at junior levels
Hello friend, I was in the same shoes and I quit on the spot and landed a new role within in 5 months with a 3 month break between to hit the gym, read, and do 2 intl trips. Smartest move, maybe not, but it worked out for me. New job is well paying and I see a bright future ahead. Good luck brother
Firstly, congrats! And if you wouldn’t mind a couple of follow-ups:
Did you leave without anything lined up? If so, how’d you manage that dynamic if/when it came up in conversations with prospective employers?
What type of role(s) were you going for, and where’d you land? Anything more you’re comfortable sharing on comp, progression, etc would also be helpful.
Keen to know a bit about this as well. What kind of role did you seek out, how did you navigate the period where you did not have a role and how was it looked upon by the recruiters
Bump
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