Looking for guidance on what to do next

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s a breakdown of your situation and potential paths forward:

1. Reassessing Your Priorities

• It’s clear you’re ambitious, but with plans to start a family soon, work-life balance might become a bigger factor. Roles like private banking, corporate banking, or corporate development/strategy could offer a more sustainable lifestyle compared to IB or consulting.
• Your introverted nature and enjoyment of relationship management suggest roles like investor relations, private banking, or business development in PE could be a great fit.

2. Role-Specific Insights

• Going Back to IB: If you enjoyed IB but disliked the hours, consider targeting groups with better work-life balance (e.g., corporate banking or boutique firms). The associate and VP levels are in high demand, so there’s opportunity here.
• Corporate Banking: This could be a great middle ground—decent pay, relationship-driven, and better hours than IB.
• Corporate Development/Strategy: These roles are highly competitive, but your IB and consulting background make you a strong candidate. Be selective about the company and ensure it aligns with your long-term goals.
• PE or HF Investor Relations: Your relationship management skills and IB experience make this a natural fit. It’s a lucrative path with high six-figure potential, especially at larger funds.
• PE Business Development: Similar to investor relations but more deal-focused. This could be a good fit if you want to stay closer to transactions without the grind of IB.
• Private Banking: A strong option for relationship-driven individuals. It offers high earning potential and a more predictable lifestyle.
• Institutional Sales: If you’re open to a sales-oriented role, this could leverage your relationship management skills and offer significant earning potential.
• MM Hedge Fund: While this is your dream job, it’s a stretch without direct HF experience. Consider networking aggressively and targeting funds that value your IB and consulting background.

3. Other Roles to Consider

• Wealth Management: Similar to private banking but with a broader client base. It’s relationship-driven and offers strong earning potential.
• Real Estate Finance/Development: If you’re open to a niche, this could leverage your IB skills and offer a mix of finance and strategy.
• Tech Strategy/Finance Roles: With your background, transitioning into a strategic finance role at a tech company could be an option, especially in Tier 1 cities.

4. Actionable Steps

• Network Strategically: Reach out to alumni, former colleagues, and industry contacts in roles you’re considering. Informational interviews can help you narrow down your options.
• Refine Your Story: Highlight your IB and consulting experience, emphasizing your relationship management skills and ambition. Tailor your narrative to each role.
• Target the Right Firms: Focus on firms with strong cultures and growth opportunities. For example, mid-cap PE firms or boutique IBs might offer a better lifestyle fit.
• Consider Location: Moving to a Tier 1 city could open up more opportunities, but weigh this against your family plans.

5. Long-Term Outlook

• Roles like investor relations, private banking, or corporate development can set you up for high six-figure earnings while offering a more balanced lifestyle. If you’re willing to grind a bit longer, PE business development or corporate banking could also be lucrative paths.

Ultimately, focus on roles that align with your strengths (relationship management, analytical skills) and long-term goals (high earning potential, work-life balance).

Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/not-sure-if-investment-banking-is-for-me-anymore?customgpt=1, Consulting vs IB for Corporate Roles?, I have no idea what I want in life anymore. Any tips on soul searching?, Q&A: Strategy consulting Associate Partner offering career advice, Checking in 6 years later [IB to MBB transition]