Master’s in Finance and Saying Goodbye to My Pet
Hi everyone,
First of all, please excuse any grammatical mistakes or awkward phrasing — English is not my first language (I’m a native Spanish speaker). This is a difficult post for me to write, and I hope it can be received with empathy and respect.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from one of the top universities in my country (Peru), and I’ve always had a strong interest in the financial sector. During my final years as a student — and my first year post-graduation — I worked as an intern in several financial institutions, particularly in the Mergers & Acquisitions area.
Earlier this year, I was thrilled to receive an acceptance offer from a target school for investment banking in Europe. It was a moment filled with pride and excitement, and it represented a huge step forward in my career.
However, there’s a deeply personal side to this transition that weighs heavily on me: saying goodbye to my best friend, Rocky.
Rocky has been with me for the past 7 years. I rescued him from an abusive situation, and since then, he has been a constant source of companionship and love. After my parents moved abroad for work almost four years ago, Rocky and I have lived together in a large home in Peru. Our bond grew even stronger during this time.
Now that I’ll be moving to Europe, my parents plan to sell the house, and Rocky will temporarily stay with a trusted caregiver who usually looks after him when we travel. Thankfully, my parents intend to bring him to live with them eventually. Still, it breaks my heart to leave him behind, especially knowing that he’s entering the later years of his life.
My girlfriend, who plans to join me abroad, and I have been considering renting a bigger place a year into the program to bring Rocky with us. But I worry. He’s used to spacious environments, and I fear that adjusting to a smaller space, combined with the stress of relocation, could affect his well-being. On top of that, the demanding hours in finance and the new lifestyle may not be ideal for him.
So here’s my question for anyone who has been in a similar situation:
Do you think it’s feasible to bring him abroad, knowing that my girlfriend will be there to care for him, and I’ll be able to spend time with him in the mornings and evenings after work?
This is a difficult situation with no perfect answer, but any insight or advice from others who have faced similar dilemmas would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Your situation is both heartfelt and complex, and it’s clear how much Rocky means to you. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some considerations and advice:
Feasibility of Bringing Rocky Abroad:
Adjusting to a Smaller Space:
Relocation Stress:
Balancing Work and Pet Care:
Temporary Caregiver Option:
Emotional Considerations:
Ultimately, there’s no perfect answer, but with careful planning and support from your girlfriend, it’s possible to make this transition work for both you and Rocky. Many in the finance world have successfully balanced demanding careers with pet ownership, so you’re not alone in facing this challenge. Best of luck with your Master’s program and this important decision!
Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/if-you-have-pets-and-work-in-ib-how-do-you-balance-your-life?customgpt=1, Owning a Dog in IB - Incoming Associate, Q&A - Post-MBA VP, 6 Things to Consider Before Accepting an International Work Assignment, Retirement Planning for IB Analysts
I get the feeling with having to leave your buddy. I would recommend looking into the laws of the country you're moving to regarding immigration with pets.
If you've got the capabilities to care for him - time to walk, feed, play, etc. - either by your time, your gf's time, or a dog walker/sitter I would vote that you should bring him. I understand the reluctance because of the smaller space, but you can always find parks / wooded areas / beaches / etc. to take him so he can run free. It may not be every day but, to me, the benefits to his mental health of keeping him, and yours, are more than worth the trade.
Thank you for the advice. It seems that, for now, he’ll need to stay with my parents for a while. However, once I complete the first year of my master’s program, my partner will be able to bring him, and we’re planning to move into a larger place.
Hey man I had to leave my Dad's pet (Twix) and also had to leave my Mom passing and Dad passing in the span of a month last winter. Twix was the coolest cat. A tree climber. I just couldn't care for Twix anymore due to me being in an apt for grad school. We gave Twix to a family who was very appreciative.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I completely understand how difficult that decision must have been, and I just want to say—you had a wonderful companion.
I'd try to find pet friendly apartments and make sure you work your schedule around the pet (waking up early / staying up late to walk it). You want to be in the right headspace to maximize your Master's program, and thinking about your buddy overseas will not help.
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