Anyone leave IB/PE/HF and just totally dip out on the industry?
What unique stories and jobs do people have after leaving?
Any hidden gem jobs and lifestyles post life in finance?
| +239 | UBS preparing for a October Layoff Massacre | 188 | 3d |
| +184 | A Message to Students Who Think this Job Will Fix Their Life | 29 | 49m |
| +155 | Work and Suicide | 48 | 1d |
| +74 | Interns without return offers, careers & perspective | 5 | 1d |
| +56 | Are all these UBS postings bullshit? | 15 | 8h |
| +44 | I'm in love with my MD | 9 | 10h |
| +40 | UBS IB Balance Sheet Set to take a Hit | 10 | 2d |
| +37 | My grandma thinks I work at a Chase branch | 5 | 2d |
| +34 | If Investment Banks Were Divorced Dads | 11 | 1d |
| +31 | Will they pay Directors $1mm+? | 9 | 5h |
Career Resources
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, there are plenty of unique and inspiring stories of people leaving IB/PE/HF and pursuing non-finance careers. Here are some examples and ideas:
Entrepreneurship: Many former finance professionals start their own businesses, ranging from tech startups to boutique advisory firms or even lifestyle businesses like coffee shops or fitness studios.
Corporate Development: Transitioning into corporate roles within specific industries, such as product management, marketing, or strategy, is a common path. These roles often offer better work-life balance and the chance to grow within a company.
Creative Pursuits: Some leave to follow their passions in music, art, or writing. For instance, one WSO thread mentions a former banker who became a musician, leveraging their financial stability to pursue their dream.
Teaching and Academia: A few move into teaching, either at universities or through programs like Teach for America, finding fulfillment in mentoring and educating others.
Nonprofits and Social Impact: Some pivot to roles in nonprofits, foundations, or social enterprises, using their skills to make a difference in areas like education, healthcare, or environmental sustainability.
Adventure and Lifestyle Careers: There are stories of ex-finance professionals becoming travel bloggers, yoga instructors, or even professional athletes. These paths often prioritize personal happiness and freedom over financial gain.
Hidden Gems: Fields like venture capital in niche industries (e.g., drones, life extension, VR) or roles in fintech (payments, PFM, lending) can be exciting and rewarding, offering a mix of innovation and impact.
For more insights, you can explore the WSO thread "Life after Investment Banking" here: [url: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/life-after-inv…).
Sources: Life after Investment Banking, Life after Investment Banking, Life after 2 years in Private Equity, Lesser known MBA career options? Looking for advice on what to do post-HBS., Poaching junior analysts / hot job market?
Bumping
Following
A good buddy from my analyst class went BB IB -> FBI.
Omnis corrupti ut sunt nihil vitae. Dolores magni voluptas et ut quod distinctio itaque. Officiis sed earum commodi eveniet.
Et at dignissimos et amet aperiam illum. Facere at rerum enim.
Deserunt ullam aut ea. Ut laboriosam consectetur dolores eum sequi quia accusamus eos. Consequatur esse consequatur eius itaque eveniet. Velit rem officia ea ex.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...