Hey all, I recently lateraled to another bank focusing in a different product group after finishing a year at my old bank. I’m quickly realizing that I’m in over my head, my previous role moved at a much slower pace and was no where close to as technical. It’s been 3.5 months and things aren’t getting better. Thinking about starting to recruit for a role in the same product group I was in before but at a different bank. I know it’s early but I think I need to get out fast. Has anyone been in this situation before? Looking for any advice.

Second what HighlyClevered said. First off - assess the situation. Is it noticeable that you are behind the curve, and how is it taken by your team - is it just matter of fact statements (like “hey, we need this faster”) and everyone is just busy chugging along or have they shown any annoyance/ frustration with your speed or work quality? If it’s the former, I think there’s an understanding that you need time to ramp up (but you are expected to do so soon).

In reality, the best time to ask questions and establish a relationship where there’s open communication and follow up / feedback loop to improve, is the start/earlier in the new role. Because that way you set a precedent for someone “asking thoughtful questions” and it’s easier to ask “stupid questions” because you are given a grace period to get up to speed. It’s much harder to do this 3 months out, because you haven’t set the precedent and questions you ask could be seen in a different light, like... “this is something he should have asked earlier” or “he should know this by now”.

I'd bust your ass, find an Associate or VP who is willing to give you no-BS feedback, take it to heart, and try to make it work at all costs. Worst case is lateraling, but it can add 3-4 months of runway for you. If you're failing because you're just not able to do the job physically, then consider busting your ass and asking an MD for a ref for a good corp dev job. If you prove you're mentally top-tier but your body isn't holding up, people will get it. If you're just slacking, no one will care. End of story - make sure everyone sees that you're putting your all into it.

Lateral analyst in trouble

HighlyClevered

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I'd think another lateral move should be a last resort. You'll have some tough questions to answer about why you want to move again so quickly, and even if you succeed your resume will show three different analyst positions in under two years. It'll scream out that you don't stick around and/or couldn't hack it.

Feeling overwhelmed after 3.5 months doesn't mean you're forever doomed to fail in this role. How bad is it really? Are you way behind your peers? Getting negative feedback from managers? Or is your team ok if you struggle early as long as you show improvement? Finance isn't rocket science. You can learn technicals on the job if you grind at it. Your life might suck for a bit while your job kicks your butt, but taking your medicine now could save you a lot of pain down the road.

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Lateral analyst in trouble

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