Just got laid off

I got fired today within like 20 minutes of arriving at work. Layoffs across my bank at the junior level.

Does anyone have a good game plan for getting back on your feet? I just started in July, so I still want to work in IB although obviously going to cast a wide net and consider adjacent jobs. Would greatly appreciate any advice. This was my first job out of college.

79 Comments
 

I'm incredibly sorry this has happened to you. 

I'd reach out to juniors you were cool with for recruiter recommendations to get started. 

But more importantly, I'd just take a breather and know this is happening to many in the industry. You will get hired again especially given your 6+ months of IB experience including internship.

Best of luck mate. 

 
Most Helpful

Sorry to hear brother. It’s quite surprising to hear that they would lay-off a first year analyst who just hit the desk only a few months ago. That being said, if they aren’t able to build out and retain their new talent, I think that’s a clear indication of a place that you don’t want to be.

In regards to finding your next opportunity - this is a very challenging market. I would say we’ll start to see some movement and laterals after bonuses hit in around late January/February. With the holidays around the corner I’d suggest you take this time to reflect on your experience. Although there may be no clear or logical indication of why you were let go - this is a good opportunity for you to digest the last couple months in where you excelled, struggled, and most importantly where/how you can improve for your next gig. Don’t be discouraged, you’ll land exactly where you need to be

 

Thanks man that’s helpful. I appreciate the perspective. Yeah looking back I can think of a few ways / times I could have dug in a little more. It's tough though since I just finished my fourth month on the desk. I think I'll take the time to review things I found challenging.

I have enough cushion to make it into 2023 so hopefully you're right about late January. Hopefully can stay in IB since I genuinely enjoyed the job. Felt like I had just gotten the hang of my deals this month.

 

Wow sorry to hear that man. Don't have any advice, but keep your head up and wish you the best of luck. Absolutely crazy that banks are firing 1st year analysts only 6 months into the job. I thought only 2nd years would get booted if necessary, not recent hires.

 

Yeah that makes sense. I just feel like I've never seen banks fire analysts that they just invested in by starting recently. Wasn't trying to undercut 2nd year's or anything like that. Just thought bad 2nd years would be the first to go for banks when getting rid of analysts

 

Good news is you're not the only one and this is a very explainable story. 

Are your parents able to support you for a bit or is late January a cutoff? You might need to take an "adjacent" job for a bit and hop back into IB when the market improves. Start throwing apps out, if you see any IB roles or things of particular interest definitely worth networking a bit given the time crunch.

 

nah market was in a bubble (idea startups with no production like Lucid and Nikola were raising tens of billions), people were buying PS5s, Rolex watches, Lambos, and Ferraris, so there was nothing in stock with a year long wait list. even to get a Tesla, you had to wait like half a year after placing an order. banks were headhunting people from all sorts of backgrounds. this had to stop. and imho the stock market is still too high, and I hope JPow will bring it another 30% down or so.

 

Hey man, its never about surviving the storm, its about how you dance in the rain.

I just saw your post. Just registered for our "Surviving Layoffs" event on LinkedIn live, come join us if you haven't yet.

We are hosting a LinkedIn live event "Surviving Layoffs" on LinkedIn live, where CEO and Founder of WSO, Patrick Curtis will talk about the current employment situation (mass layoffs incoming) and how you can successfully maneuver through it.

Check it out on Wall Street Oasis LinkedIn Page.

​​​​​​​Its on 9 Dec, Friday 3pm PT

 

 It is hard to predict the future, but looking at the current data and trends, we might see some mass layoffs. Hopefully they will be limited to specific industries. It is too soon to tell whether there will be layoffs in all industries or not.

Industries that are already in a fragile state and have been experiencing mass layoffs for the past several years will likely continue to downsize in 2022 and 2023. They include high finance, tech, SaaS, and financial services. I think we are more likely to see more layoffs in these industries than others.

 

I'm in the same boat as of yesterday...almost stagnant deal flow and case of LIFO. I took yesterday to process, and started reaching out to everyone I know in the industry that can help circulate my resume. In fairness, I was looking to lateral or exit after bonus was paid in February, so I was already reaching out to people and somewhat prepared.

Just take a minute to get your head together and start reaching out for advice and help as soon as you can.

 

Others have said to take a few weeks off and take stock, which I 100% agree with. You can start emailing headhunters now, but try to enjoy the holidays.

As soon as you’re done:

  1. Obviously update your resume
  1. Assemble your deal sheet, if possible. I realize you were there for a few months, but if you can assemble either pitch sheet or something it’ll help organize thoughts
  1. Organize your thoughts on what you want to do and why
  1. Understand big picture of what you did in your job and how it will apply to your next role
 

Alot of good comments above, and I'll refer you to one of my comments in a similar thread. Link below.

Long and short is learn from the mistakes, and be honest with yourself on your performance. Keep at it and start networking. You're good to think adjacent jobs. Interns and analysts are caught up in the prestige angle but I promise you, there's more to it when you hit the desk and are soliciting clients. Find a place that feels like home, whatever that may be.

You'll likely have a few of these experiences in your finance career so hang in there, it is not the end of the world.

https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/anl-laid-off-from-bb-w…

 

Congrats, glad to hear it man. Can I ask, what did you do for rent if you lose your job as a first year? Did you have savings?

 

Thanks man. Yeah I burned through a ton of cash from when I was working and ultimately got help from my parents. Year long leases are a pain. I know other analysts were able to break their lease to cut down on expenses during the search by living at home or moving elsewhere. It doesn't help that most finance cities have super high rent. I made it to the other side but definitely learned a lesson in frugality. 

 

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