san fran vs. the big apple

hey, i was just wondering what the pros and cons for working in new york were as opposed to san francisco... in terms of working hours, wages, and the works..

19 Comments
 

Don't know about many banks, especially not specific groups in specific banks, but in general without working there myself I've come to see SF is more laid-back. You can do more work from home, usually less of an emphasis on "facetime". Dress code usually less stiff, etc.

However, when there are 8 AM ET meetings in New York, you'll be in the office at 5 AM PT to dial in. That's enough to make me prefer New York. Also, there's that thing about New York being the center of the universe. Everything else just kind of revolves around it. (Just kidding! Seems that way sometimes when comparing it with other U.S. locations though.)

 

Me? I'd say it's reasonably accurate based on the only San Fran office I've heard anything about. Try to elaborate more when you call someone out, else you're not really helping anyone here. I have no idea what to respond to, or to apologize for, because you didn't say what you disagreed with.

 
Best Response

One it all depends on what group you are in, what bank you are at, etc.

Broadly speaking Technology and sometimes healthcare are headquartered out of San Francisco, which is a plus if technology is something you are interested in.

In terms of the attire comment, that's dependent on the bank, UBS LA you can wear polo knits, same with Credit Suisse SF. Other banks are similar to NYC with business casual (Shirt slacks). Lehman on the west doesn't require a suit and tie like Chi and NYC.

I don't see analysts working from home either, I mean if you have to send out a doc with a word edit maybe, but most analysts I know don't take their laptop off the dock and take it home.

Yes, the bars do close earlier, which can suck if you're getting busted on a Friday/Saturday night. There is always the C which makes everything great.

Comp is street. If you work for a bulge out here who isn't treated like a stepchild then the work is the same, however some banks pitch and NYC takes over, be careful.

The players on the west are GS, MS, CS and UBS.

-- Interview Guides GMAT Tutors WSO Resume Review --- Current: Senior Analyst - Hedge Fund Past: Associate - Tech Buyout Analyst - Morgan St
 

The thing about SF is that there are less affordable housing options than NYC. At least in NYC you could pick one of the other boroughs outside Manhattan. In SF, you have to take it to Oakland for affordability.

 

are much hotter in NYC as well. However, I'd still choose SF based on weather and scenery. Plus, there are many less bankers in SF people will be more impress with the fact you're not an IT dude.

 
scotttwibellare much hotter in NYC as well. However, I'd still choose SF based on weather and scenery. Plus, there are many less bankers in SF people will be more impress with the fact you're not an IT dude.

In LA if you're not an entertainment, no one cares.

 
bb.MandA.3rdyearPeople who know might be impressed, but alot of girls are out there to meet bankers in NYC, check out joshua tree and other banker groupie places

joshua tree is hilarious.

 

Banker groupies, are cool. But now that I'm going into PE i get a bunch of dudes at bars asking me about PE placement, etc..

WizardofOz
bb.MandA.3rdyearPeople who know might be impressed, but alot of girls are out there to meet bankers in NYC, check out joshua tree and other banker groupie places

joshua tree is hilarious.

-- Interview Guides GMAT Tutors WSO Resume Review --- Current: Senior Analyst - Hedge Fund Past: Associate - Tech Buyout Analyst - Morgan St
 

is funny....it's way too overcrowded and homogenous charcter type at the place....hot girls digging lot of tools that they wouldnt talk to if the guys werent bankers.

 

San Fran is not even close to as expensive as NYC. Check CNN cost of living calculator. Your $$ goes way further anywhere in Cali, or the rest of the country, than it does in NYC.

 

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