Dream Job vs Dream Location

Hey all, wanted some input here. Am entering my mid 20s and have been fortunate enough to live to one of the nicest cities out of college but the roles in finance are very limited, I enjoy what I do but it’s not exactly my long term career goal.

I have an opportunity to join a fixed income trading team in Philly, but I’ve never lived in the area nor know much about it, but S&T was something I wanted to pursue in college but missed the boat on, there’s always a chance I don’t like it but overall I’m confident I’d love that career path

any advice?

15 Comments
 

I feel you brother -- it can be hard because you're seeing folks who start off in a great city from the get go and never have to really move...which enables you to set up a vibrant, durable social life and stay in a place you like outside of work. Sometimes gotta make tradeoffs but either way make the best of what you have even in that new city -- go and make friends aggressively, date, find hobbies, etc. Worst case, you travel every 2-3 weekends to visit friends / parents / fam / etc 

 
Most Helpful

Take the dream job, every time, especially if you are in your mid 20s. Later in life you will have real geographic restrictions that may not allow you to take the dream job again (e.g., family). 

It doesn't even have to be a dream job, but if you are getting much better experience at one job over another, always go with the experience, even if the other job is in a more desirable city. The fact that this is a "dream job" makes it all the more reason to go.

I went through a similar dilemma earlier in my career, I had a great job opportunity in a city where I didn't know anyone. Had lesser opportunities in cities where I had family or friends. I chose the better job opportunity and do not regret it at all. It wasn't easy at first, but I eventually made friends through my job and developed a decent social life in the new city. I stayed longer than I thought I would, had a good time, gained the professional experience, and then moved to a city where I had a lot of friends. I would not be where I am today professionally had I not followed that path, in fact, I would likely be significantly behind where I am now. 

An added bonus is after I did this, I was much more confident socially because I was able to look back on that experience knowing that I moved to a city where I didn't know anyone, and developed a good social network. 

 

I went through this. Got the perfect job but in the wrong city. Did it for a few years and now have an even better job (and a nice pile of savings) in my first choice city.
 

My main advice is to make the most of your time in Philly as this is my one regret from my prior job. Think of it as having two years to experience as much as possible in Philly. Don’t think of it as a countdown til you can leave for your preferred city.

 

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