I want to quit PE with nothing lined up

Has anyone done this? I’m exhausted and burnt out, almost to the two year mark. I realized this is not what I want to do long-term. I’m mentally and physically not doing well—I’m just worried I’m going to burn bridges quitting if I need future references. Would love any advice on if anyone has done this and been able to get offers for new jobs after quitting.

7 Comments
 

FO market is dead right now so make sure you have enough cash set aside to last you some time.

But like I always say, 100 priorities when you have your health, only one when you lose it.

If it’s unbearable and you are sure you don’t want to return, then you gotta do what’s right for you.

Take some time off, travel, and do some introspection and come back organized and strong.

 
Most Helpful

I did something similar.

Tactically: talk to a few mid levels you’re close to and get their buy in. They can act as your references in the future.

Be prepared for some people to not react well. I definitely burned a bridge with some senior people on my team. 


another  option is just to come clean with your team and say you don’t see yourself in PE long term and if it’s possible to wind down over an extended period of time (instead of quitting asap). This will also give you time to job search. 

 

I did. It’s not in a field remotely close to PE though. A niche engineering field that I studied in school and had friends that worked in. I had been planning to make the transition and had done some legwork/had some contacts in the area though. All in all, I’m much happier now. I still work hard but have more satisfaction from my job. 

 

Your health should be your first priority, so if the situation is dire that should be your only concern. If you can stomach a transition period, I would highly recommend working with your firm to an establish a mutually agreeable timetable that gives them enough time to fill your role. References matter in this industry, and taking steps to preserve those references will give you better optionality in the future. However, to reiterate, your health should come first, so references should be a secondary concern.

 

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