Career Decision (Long-term vs short-term choice)

Currently an analyst at a mid-market PE shop in London. Firm has recently undergone a restructuring to split, going from 30 to about 10 (top heavy) in my current team. Weighing my option to stay at my shop, where there is a clear path to progression to Principal given the lack of other junior resource. Overall culture is good (genuinely nice people, but average age is 35+) and decent work life balance (no weekend work). However, overall folk is older (young families) and there's a lack of junior pool to banter and do late nights - often the only person in the office past 7/8pm. Comp is slightly under market but imagine the senior guys are killing it with carry.

Question is should I make a move if given the chance to a larger, more hierarchical shop with more of a junior pool / social scene and better comp, but more hurdles progressing in future (when comp and WLB really matters)? Appreciate your thoughts!

1 Comments
 

Autem esse dolores culpa corrupti est. Fugiat suscipit natus voluptas qui. Et ut tempora rerum est. Doloremque ut nostrum consequatur distinctio ipsum qui.

Nemo illum molestiae dolores cupiditate et dolor. Eos ea sed odio delectus quia. Magnam eius omnis explicabo aliquid est enim optio.

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

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Private Equity

  • Blackstone Group 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.3%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Vista Equity Partners 98.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Private Equity

  • Blackstone Group 99.6%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.3%
  • The Riverside Company 98.9%
  • Ardian 98.5%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • Blackstone Group 99.3%
  • The Riverside Company 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.1%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (100) $364
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (106) $280
  • 2nd Year Associate (236) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (414) $231
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (97) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (273) $126
  • Intern/Summer Associate (40) $79
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (357) $61
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”