The most successful people don’t stay in IB

So many people on here deem anyone that leaves IB after two years as “can’t hang”-type people.

As I scroll the swathes of LinkedIn, so many founders of companies, and serial entrepreneurs, started in IB and left after 2-4 years. And anyone that wants to stay in IB and work 80 hours a week on partner track, good for them, and good money there, and obviously requires a high baseline IQ.

But I’m convinced the smarter thing to do if you want the most money for the least time is to leave and start your own company. IB/PE attracts the smartest people in the world. If you got into IB/PE, there’s a good chance you’re able to figure out a product / business that will be successful.

Basically I fully support anyone that sticks around and likes money + being busy. And ofc not everyone that leaves hits it big later. But anyone that deems someone as lesser because they left, is stroking their own ego imo.

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Least controversial opinion on Wall Street. I think the general consensus about IB amongst most, especially on the buy side, is that it's the best training ground for a career in finance/whatever you want to do. IB simply is a trial by fire to get deal reps in as well as understand some of the drivers of a business. 

 

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