How do you deal with not having regrets when it comes to career-altering decisions?
Until now, life has been relatively straightforward. I applied to one college and got in, landed one offer for the end of junior year IB internship and took it. Got the return offer and accepted that.
However, I have generally spent a lot of time thinking about all the what-ifs from other smaller decisions I have made.
Recently, I began recruiting for PE roles towards the end of my first year as an analyst and was fortunate enough to choose between two offers:
- The first was from a well-regarded NYC-based PE firm dedicated to a sector adjacent to what I currently cover, and one that is attracting a lot of capital. Their latest fund was $5B+, with competitive pay (~$310k+). This role was partner-track.
- The second was with an UMM fund in my current tier II city, focusing on the sector I already cover, and they are the top investor in this space. Though capital growth is flat in this sector, this particular firm is deploying a ton of capital in this space. The pay was extremely competitive (~$350k+), and the cost of living difference (coupled with the difference in pay) would save me an additional $100k in year one alone. It was also partner-track but had a faster progression than firm 1.
I chose the second offer because it paid more when factoring in COL and taxes, aligned with my current sector, and offered faster career growth. However, it’s been a month, and I still question my decision. I often revisit my conversations with the first firm, wondering if I made the right choice. If I succeed at firm B, I’ll have a great career, but opportunities in this sector are limited. If I had chosen firm A, there would be more capital, growth, and other opportunities if things didn’t work out.
I can’t stop thinking how different my career might be based on this decision. How do you all deal with this kind of uncertainty?
Life is short
So learn from your mistakes
And stand behind
The choices that you make
Face each day
With both eyes open wide
And try to give
Don't keep it all inside
Don't let the day go by
Don't let it end
Don't let a day go by, in doubt
The Answer Lies Within
You've got the future on your side
You gonna be fine now
I know whatever you decide
You're gonna shine
Don't let the day go by
Don't let it end
Don't let a day go by, in doubt
You're ready to begin
Don't let a day go by, in doubt
The Answer Lies Within
Not really a ‘career altering choice’. Try to get through your first year. Firm decision might’ve been moot if you hate the industry.
Farthest thing from a career altering decision I've come across in some time
Lmao. Like OP said, they have had it pretty easy and straightforward, so their problems are also likely simple and straightforward.
I made a list of 6 things i wanted out of my PE fund. I got 5/6 of what i wanted but in actuality the experience was horrible, the people weren't great and i had a generally bad time. You never know just take it year by year
What do you do now?
Being content is underrated in the circles you’re operating in. If you can be content in your situation, this kind of stuff won’t bother you. Rather, you’ll be thankful for each day and appreciate the little things. Whether your bank account says $100 or $1m, you’ll still be grateful for what you have.
You just have to choose to be content. It’s hard when you’re also ambitious, but you can be both and compartmentalize things.
Sounds like you evaluated each option carefully, and made the best choice you could given the information you had at the time. Can't do it any better than that.
Same philosophy applies to investing - otherwise you'll drive yourself crazy.
You’re assuming a lot about what could have been with paths not taken. In reality, it could have worked out super well or it could have worked out horribly (bad cultural fit that leads to you getting let go or burning out).
Few things are certain about the future or what could have been. The only thing you can do is make the most of the situation you are presently in.
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