How Do I Know What I Like?
Title is a bit tongue in cheek. I've been feeling a bit burnt out recently. Feels like my learning is plateaued and I don't have the fire in my belly like I used to. I try to get excited about the work and every now and then it clicks, but so often I feel like I'm forcing myself to go through the motions.
My issue is, probably like most people here, I decided that I was going to do the IB->PE->MBA->PE path a long time ago (undergrad) because that's what I saw my friends and people I looked up to doing. They also all made a lot of money (I thought) so I told myself I would do the same.
I put my head down and grinded for a few years, but I feel like it just got easy to get wrapped up in whatever I was/am working on at the moment. It worked great while I was excited about the work, but now that that's fading, it's making me think if it's time for a change.
My issue is I chose this path and never really considered alternatives, so I can't say I really am passionate about any particular role or end market. I bounced around coverage teams so I don't have a ton of expertise in any given industry, but I generally know enough to be dangerous.
I've kicked around the corporate development/strategy/FP&A off ramp a few times. But at the same time, it feels a little bit like the same trap I fell into before that I'm just doing it because others said they liked it.
Feels a little bit pathetic, but curious if any of you guys have found good ways to approach the question of what you genuinely enjoy and want to pursue.
Feeling burnt out and questioning your path is more common than you think, especially in high-pressure fields like IB and PE. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some actionable steps to help you figure out what you genuinely enjoy and want to pursue:
1. Reflect on Your Motivations and Preferences
2. Experiment and Explore
3. Focus on What Excites You
4. Take a Break if Needed
5. Don’t Overthink the “Perfect Job”
6. Get Uncomfortable
7. Trust the Process
Remember, you’re not alone in feeling this way. Many professionals in finance have faced similar crossroads and found fulfillment by stepping back, reflecting, and exploring new opportunities. Take your time, and don’t be afraid to deviate from the path you initially set for yourself.
Sources: burnout / moving forward, Handling Stress / Burnout in Private Equity, Midlevel Burnout, I have no idea what I want in life anymore. Any tips on soul searching?, Burnt out analyst, not sure what to do
i feel the same. been on the sell-side a few years and realized these fields are not what it was trumped up to be in undergrad. its just alot of charading around and running endless analysis when its not that complicated
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