Struggling to quit IB for Corporate

I’ve been in IB since I graduated from undergrad. Grew up lower middle class and attended a super non-target close to home so I could work, live at home and help my family. I got lucky and made it to IB. Got promoted from Analyst -> Associate -> VP1 earlier this year. 
 

As I approach age 30, I am literally exhausted after grinding for so many years, but I’ve kept going mainly because I didn’t come from money and liked the security that IB brings me that I’d never had before. I never thought I’d even have a shot. With that said, I have an opportunity to join an internal capital markets team at a F50 company. Pay is $185K base and $35K target bonus. Working more than 40-45 hrs a week would be rare.

I’m finding it really hard to quit IB and give up the bonuses. I know careers are a marathon not a sprint but I feel like I’m bowing out of IB too early. The golden handcuffs are real. I’d have more free time to enjoy life, but it seems crazy to give it all up. I know others have experienced the same. What was the deciding factor for you?

8 Comments
 

for what it's worth i know people who left IB to go work at tech startups that have made just as much if not more than what they would have made by staying.

the key is whether you can get enough stock options to make up for the lower cash comp and whether you pick the right company... if you can do both then it might be the best of both worlds (still make a ton of money + great lifestyle).

 
high hopes

That's a great offer for low or medium cost of living. Assuming this is not a NYC offer that money goes far and you're leaving the 401k match, etc. benefits out. 
 

sounds like a senior manager or director role. 

You’re correct. It’s a Director role. Kind of hard to give up the bonus potential in IB but you are totally right. That money goes a long way.

 
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