Is time to move on?
Started banking in 2022 at an EU BB and got laid off towards the end of 2023. I took one year out to work in an industry related to my degree (medicine/engineering). I then started a corporate development analyst role at a FTSE 25 company in mid-2025 and have been trying to return to IB, but headhunters are ignoring me and online applications are leading nowhere.
After leaving IB, I discovered I had ADHD, which was massively impacting my performance. Since being treated and getting on medication, I’ve been getting great feedback in my current role and sometimes surprising myself lol. Unfortunately, it feels like this has happened just as the door to opportunities has closed.
Wondering if it’s time to forget IB and use the extra free time to start a side hustle.
Could it simply be that the hiring market is still bad, and would networking help in this case? I’m no longer in university and have already done the job, so the usual “I want to learn about your career” approach doesn’t really apply.
Currently unclear where to focus my career. The corporate development role is quite slow for me and progression seems limited.
Is your company acquisitive and can you show tangible deal reps?
It is a tough market and, anecdotally, most A1 spots are going to people with 2/3 M&A internships.
The company is not but it is like top 20 in the UK so. I also had deal experience from prior IB stint
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