What next after a shitty year?

This year has been brutal. Like many I was laid off earlier this year. I was an mba associate at a solid bank. After several months of job searching I ended up taking a role in another industry. I don’t hate the job, but the pay sucks and I miss finance. 
 

I’d like to move back to finance but don’t want to look like a job hopper. I have ~2 years of IB experience across two firms. Should I stick it out for a year or jump when the right opportunity comes along?

3 Comments
 

Ah, the old "stick or twist" conundrum, eh? It's a tough one, but let's break it down.

Firstly, it's important to remember that everyone's journey is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. However, based on the most helpful WSO content, it seems that the general consensus is to stick it out for at least a year before considering leaving. This is mainly to avoid the perception of being a job hopper.

On the other hand, if a golden opportunity comes knocking on your door, it might be worth considering. As one wise monkey once said, "Chasing two rabbits at the same time means you’ll starve to death." So, if you're sure that the new opportunity is what you really want, then it might be worth taking the leap.

Remember, it's all about balance. You don't want to jump ship too soon and risk being seen as unreliable. But you also don't want to miss out on a great opportunity. So, weigh your options carefully, and make the decision that feels right for you.

And remember, even if the grass isn't always greener on the other side, at least you're still in the game. Keep your chin up, and keep swinging for the fences!

Sources: MBA associate looking to leave, Quitting major Investment Bank in NYC after 2 months...?, No deal experience after 3 years, Q&A: 1st Year Analyst at MM IB

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

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