giving up

This market is too difficult.

2023 Graduate, non diversity, non target.

Grinded hard and got to a top tier (Blackrock/wellington/MSIM) buy side strategy role right after graduation and interned there during junior summer. Now miserable and want to move to literally any other job.

I cannot get hired for literally any position. Sell side, buy side analyst/associates-no. Entry level tech sales- no. SDR at any company- no. I’ve applied to 1200+ jobs and either get ghosted or rejected final round.

I know how to apply. I know how to interview. I’m where I am for a reason.

Why did I try so hard to get a fancy job title with a “good company” if i have literally no exit opps. I’ve gotten so miserable at my job and there is nothing for me to do anymore.

4 Comments
 

Felt this. Hang in there bro. There are no potential benefits to giving up, but tons of highly certain downsides. Gotta just keep going. 

 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice that might help you navigate your current situation:

  1. Reflect on Your Goals and Passions:

    • It's crucial to reassess what you are passionate about and what you want from your career. As mentioned in the "Exit Opp Mentality" thread, focusing on what truly excites you rather than just the prestige or pay can lead to more fulfilling opportunities.
  2. Network Strategically:

    • Networking is a powerful tool. Engage with professionals in your desired field, attend industry events, and leverage LinkedIn to connect with potential employers. Building relationships can often open doors that applications alone cannot.
  3. Consider Therapy or Professional Guidance:

    • Sometimes, speaking with a therapist or career coach can provide clarity and help you navigate tough times. As noted in the "Exit Opp Mentality" thread, therapy helped one individual make a logical choice about their career path.
  4. Evaluate Your Current Role:

    • Reflect on the skills and experiences you have gained in your current role. Sometimes, the grass isn't always greener on the other side, as highlighted in the "Thought Consulting Was My Dream...Now I Hate it" thread. Consider if there are aspects of your current job that you can leverage or improve upon.
  5. Stay Resilient and Persistent:

    • The job market is highly competitive, and rejection is part of the process. Keep applying, but also take breaks to avoid burnout. Remember, many have faced similar struggles and eventually found success.
  6. Explore Different Industries:

    • If traditional finance roles aren't working out, consider exploring other industries where your skills might be transferable. The "Career Paths/Exit Opportunities" thread suggests that sometimes a change in industry can lead to better opportunities.
  7. Focus on Mental Health:

    • Your mental well-being is paramount. If your current job is making you miserable, it might be worth considering a break or a less stressful role temporarily to regain your energy and focus.

By taking these steps, you can better position yourself for future opportunities and find a path that aligns with your personal and professional goals.

Sources: Feel Trapped, Exit Opps From Sell-Side ER?, Watching others leave early is demoralizing - what do I do?, Feeling like wasting time working in IB, I have applied for over 200+ roles in 6 months and now I am miserable, beyond bored - can't even motivate to change jobs again

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Dolorem quis vero veritatis quod inventore quia ut. Iure nobis est et eos. Maxime quos et esse est facere ipsam recusandae.

Vel perspiciatis dolorum tempore in consequuntur consectetur. Rerum sequi voluptatem optio. Et amet sed expedita doloremque id. Vitae magni aut illum qui dolorum nihil.

Quod velit repudiandae pariatur eos ut et veritatis. Non qui itaque excepturi qui et temporibus tempore. Voluptatibus ex qui libero saepe qui fugit voluptatum in.

Quia soluta necessitatibus ut maxime eligendi non. Rem velit cumque et excepturi est beatae quibusdam. Ad corporis ipsum ea sint sit natus repudiandae. Veniam quia suscipit asperiores omnis sed sequi. Inventore harum quia qui qui ex officia dignissimos. Natus est quis cupiditate dignissimos. Iure voluptatem laborum officia.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.9%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $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

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...”