Lack of Interest in Finance on This Forum + Increase in depressed-type posts

Have you guys noticed that over the past few years posts about people leaving fenance have gone from getting only hate and a few supportive comments, to getting 20+ bananas and an entire thread about the pros and cons? I think this is indicative of a shift in what people see as the value of working in finance, other fields have been legitimized as equally compelling in contrast to the pros and cons of finance - in particular big tech and startups; stock options vs. carried interest.

In tandem, I've also noticed a SIGNIFICANT increase in people who come to this forum for mental health or relationship advice and see it as a reflection of society and solitude today (shoutout to Ralph Waldo Emerson). What do you all think?

10 Comments
 
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The WSO community has been a place of support for many out there. A place for young professionals to realize that it's okay to not live the lifestyle others are okay with taking part in day to day. This community has allowed many to find a better direction and what they truly believe is right for them rather than just what people around them say is the right thing, and going along with it due to superficial reasons.

 

Bro shouldn't you be out campaigning rn and paying "influencers" $150 to market for you? tf you doing on WSO

 

Ok ok you have my vote

Never discuss with idiots, first they drag you at their level, then they beat you with experience.
 
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You're always going to have more off topic posts in the off topic forum than posts about finance. I'm not sure that's indicative of much. There are only so many ways you can argue about which bulge bracket bank is better, which school counts as a "semi-target," and give young people the same 5 resources everyone uses to prep for interviews.

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 

I think that’s over dramatic. I think people are starting to see other alternatives and realize what actually makes them happy. For some, finance does truly make them happy. Or at least what it has to offer does. Some people really enjoy working hard and being financially rewarded for it. Finance is a great place for people who can work very hard, be reasonably to very intelligent, and “play the game” of going to the right school and meeting the right people. In return you can make more money than 90%+ of Americans out there per your age group. I honestly think 90% could be a little low.

What you’re seeing as “dying” is people realized quality of life isn’t always gross income. Some people would rather do something they see as having a more direct impact or having more control over their time. Others, like myself, didn’t play the game early enough and changed direction.

Some people leave to spend more time with their loved ones. The incremental value of an additional hour with those people are greater than the additional income that could be earned.

I think we’re seeing people leave who never really wanted it in the first place. It’s not dying.

“The three most harmful addictions are heroin, carbohydrates, and a monthly salary.” - Nassim Taleb
 

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