Investment Banking Analyst: Lateral Hiring / Exit Opps. Questions (Advice Appreciated!)

Hey guys,

I recently received a full-time offer to join a well-respected MM IB in SF (Technology M&A group). I was born and raised in New York, and I definitely do have an underlying desire to have a longer-term career in NYC. However, given the overwhelming stress from the full-time recruitment cycle this time around, I broadened my options and applied for jobs in BOS/SF/LA, etc. to fill demand for industry-specific groups - my top preferences being HC and TMT.

I feel blessed to have the offer I do now - I am excited about the high deal involvement and industry exposure I will get given the leaner team sizes in the SF office. But at the end of the day, I worry about how I will cope with the SF environment - all my friends and family are based in the East Coast, and I know little about the culture there (I've visited, but nothing more).

My questions: 1) Am I at a disadvantage for lateral hiring into MM/EB/BB firms in NYC given the SF background? How about for exit opps also in NYC? 2) When does the lateral hiring process officially begin? 3) Given I will be in a small team, how could I pursue recruitment without upsetting my co-workers?

I would really, really appreciate any insight on this. Honestly, I don't even mind working my analyst years at the firm and moving back to the East Coast for exit opps, so any insight on either area would be great. I've been pressured every day despite how uplifted I've become overall from getting the job.

Thanks in advance.