Am I stupid for not accepting my IB offer?

Current CB analyst who loves the WLB, money compared to IB is shit, however relatively speaking, it’s still good and I’m bringing home 6 figures. Interviewed at several places, and have received an offer for a CB analyst role at another bank and an IB offer at MM IB. My friends are telling me I’m stupid for leaning towards the CB offer, and that I’m leaving money on the table, however I have ZERO interest in IB and the hours you people work. Ultimately, in the grand scheme of things, am I in the wrong/shooting myself in the foot for pursuing CB?

14 Comments
 
Most Helpful

There are a few variables to consider here imo. 

First, if you know deep down in your heart that you never want to do IB/MF PE/MM HF, then you are not wrong. Optimizing for what you like is how to live a healthy, fulfilled life. 

However, you must think about how often you change your mind on big issues. Are you sure you will always feel this way? If not, you might want to consider IB. However, if you do choose IB, go into it with a positive attitude and a good spirit. Being pissed off from the start is a fast-track to hell. 

 

It’s simple. The right answer is subjective.

We all have different priorities in different points of time in our lives. But the main thing about advice is, anyone can give it, only you have to live through and face the consequences.

So, if you don’t prioritize IB experience and want the balanced life with hobbies, friends, a girlfriend, and family. Then kudos to you.

As long as you can decently provide and are happy with how you spend your time, no amount of differential money coming from the sacrifice of your health and those relationships will be worth it.

So, listen to all advice but do what is right for you. IB is not for everyone, and it applies to all fields. If everyone becomes a doctor, what’s the point?

But if you think you might regret not trying at some point, then take the IB, and can always lateral later to corporate banking. Otherwise, do what’s right for you and don’t look back.

 

Hey- was at a similar point to you as I had a CB and IB offers at BBs and ended up taking CB. Im someone who values my spare time alot and it sounds like you are too. You will earn more than enough while having some time to enjoy it too!

As for career trajectory really you have to ask yourself if you are dead-set on PE/HF as a career. If the answer is not a definite yes, as was the case for me, there really isn’t any point. Worst case, you van easily move to IB after a year or two if you change your mind

Btw not at all shitting on the IB grind, everyone’s reasons are different:)

 

Nihil vero voluptas culpa a labore iusto. Esse et illum a et dignissimos aspernatur sit. Qui ea voluptatum explicabo consequatur. Deleniti consequatur corrupti nobis nam. Voluptatibus ullam vero dolores ut vel culpa.

Est qui velit delectus cupiditate sit non amet. Sit placeat error sit voluptatem quasi et et. Delectus aut et porro.

Consequatur qui quaerat necessitatibus perferendis pariatur. Quos at ab odit fugit. Repellat suscipit et numquam voluptatem veritatis dicta ab id.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.3%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (78) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (72) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”