Want Out, Not Sure How

To provide context, I'm a first year analyst at a non-NYC MM on the east coast. Have been here for over a half a year and interned the previous summer. Long story short, I don't mind the people I work with (although the culture has become worse over the past year), and the hours aren't anything above average, but I simply do not enjoy the work or even find it remotely interesting, and I value WLB and having the freedom to go to the gym, visit friends and family, etc. over the potential comp. I am not interested in PE, so I can live with only having ~1 year or less of IB experience. My intention coming in was to build out the skillset and go from there, and now I have a better idea of what I value more in terms of career / life priorities. I've gotten good deal experience in a short amount of time, so I would not have any regrets leaving as I've been fortunate to learn a lot thus far. I'm in a good place mentally / physically now, however I see my colleagues and seniors, and can clearly see the toll the industry takes on you, and the comp is not worth it for me so I'd like to get out ahead of time - not trying to knock the industry as I respect those who've grinded it out and am grateful for the experience I've gotten so far. Also know not everyone here will support my viewpoint and it may seem foolish or rash, but I know what is best for me and have given it lots of thought / have spoken with friends in the industry for advice.

However, I do have a one year clawback on my signing bonus, which will not expire till year end. Ideally I would like to move into asset management, but the city I'm in does not have many finance opportunities (would highly prefer to stay in the area). During school, I interned with my University's endowment fund and found the work to be very interesting. I would like to move to a job with (a) better WLB and (b) more markets facing, and comp is not as important to me. 

I understand it will be difficult to make a move somewhere in the coming months with only <=1 year of IB and the limited opportunities in my city, but any advice here would really be appreciated.  

2 Comments
 
Most Helpful

I'd look around and see if you can find anything in AM that's available any apply. I don't think those interview processes are as rigorous as PE or IB. As others will note on here, now is a really tough time in the industry, especially if you're still that junior, so might be in your best interest to keep going and gain more experience ie become more attractive to the AM industry while simultaneously hiring improves. If you can find something now that you're a fit for, go for it.

Good for you for sizing things up early man.

 

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