Leaving before 1 Year Tenure
For context, I got incredibly lucky and got a FO analyst position at a boutique/MM PE fund straight out of undergrad last summer. I took the job because it pays the bills and it was an incredible opportunity at the time (I still think it is). Since I started, I've felt like running on fumes. I just came out of a jam-packed undergrad and I didn't ever give myself rest or a proper moment to think about whether this is really for me. Now ~8 months in and I feel like in this role I'm in way over my head as everyone around me seems so much more intelligent and qualified. I've had moments where I had underperformed on tasks, but never enough to be talked to by senior management/HR, PIP'd, or let go. I have to punch 9am-2am to keep my head above the water and it feels unsustainable.
I've had an opportunity to join another firm in a super interesting role in a different vertical but I was wondering if it would be a death sentence to my career if I left before my 1 year tenure. I know that it would be incredibly difficult to break back into PE so I'd eat the consequences of closing the door on PE behind me. Does everyone go through a similar phase of severe imposter syndrome and exhaustion or am I valid to want to jump ship?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, your situation is not uncommon, and many professionals in high-pressure roles like PE experience imposter syndrome and burnout, especially early in their careers. Here are some key considerations to help you decide:
Imposter Syndrome and Burnout:
Feeling overwhelmed and doubting your abilities is a shared experience for many in demanding industries. As highlighted in WSO threads, even seasoned professionals admit to struggling with confidence and the steep learning curve. However, these feelings often subside as you gain more experience and develop your skills. If you enjoy the work but feel exhausted, it might be worth exploring ways to manage your workload or seeking mentorship before making a drastic decision.
Leaving Before 1 Year:
Exiting before completing a year can raise red flags for future employers, especially in PE, where long-term commitment is valued. As noted in WSO discussions, short tenures can be perceived as a lack of resilience or commitment, which might make it harder to re-enter the industry later. However, if the new role aligns better with your long-term goals and offers a healthier work-life balance, it could still be a worthwhile move.
Closing the Door on PE:
If you leave PE now, it may be challenging to return, as breaking into the industry is highly competitive. That said, some WSO users have successfully transitioned to other fields like venture capital, corporate roles, or even entrepreneurship, finding fulfillment outside of traditional PE paths. Reflect on whether PE is truly your passion or if the new opportunity aligns better with your career aspirations.
Next Steps:
Ultimately, the decision should be guided by your personal goals, values, and the trade-offs you’re willing to accept. If you do decide to leave, ensure you can clearly articulate your reasons and how the new role aligns with your career trajectory.
Sources: Should I leave PE after a month and go back to my MBB?, Megafund PE -> Impact Investing (IFC World Bank)? Am I Crazy?, Would you leave in this situation?, Lateraling PE to PE, Any career regrets after moving from PE to public markets?
Do you feel like you're learning, even if underwater? That's a very common first year experience and I wouldn't leave just because it's tough. A lot of the time, the learning in that first year or two sets you up for the rest of your career.
What is the other role? You give no info on it, hard for anyone to say if it's worth cutting rope for so early. I would not leave just because the other role is easier
Thanks for the reply!
I do feel like I am learning but at the expense of every other aspect of my life (social, physical, mental). I know that’s kind of the expectation for a career in high finance and I guess thats up to me to decide if it’s worth it. It just seems like I am always on the chopping block and that at any point of shortcoming/error I could be dropped.
Apologies for the lack of clarity, I was hesitant to put too much out there that may make me stand out (crazier things have happened on the internet lol). The other role is a sales role in a VC/tech company.
Unless you've gotten feedback from your manager that you're at risk of a layoff, I wouldn't worry about it. They expect first years to make a lot of mistakes, it's the only way to learn. Even as a senior ASO I mess stuff up all the time lol, part of it in these jobs
Do you want to do sales? That's a very specific personality that likes/is good at that - for other personalities, less fun. It's a personal call but I would isolate "getting out of this role" from any specific job.
You’re not alone—PE is brutal, and imposter syndrome is real. If it’s just burnout, pushing through might be worth it. But if you know this isn’t for you, leaving isn’t a death sentence, especially if the new role excites you. Just be ready to explain the move and own your decision. Plenty of people pivot early and do just fine.
Thank you!
No problem.
I'm kinda in a similar boat. I'm in ER but my snr ASO left and I've been dealing with that for about a month. It sucks being in this position bc 8 months ago you were probably geeked out to have the position but now that its time to live in the role it's just been a challenge to stay healthy, have fun, and just be a normal person. What I'm planning on doing is staying until 2026 bonus hits the account. But in the meantime im reaching out and getting a feel for what options are available.
Best of luck! Waiting out bonuses seems to be a vicious cycle in this industry. Golden handcuffs hit too real when the first one hits.
I would tough it if you can. There is a higher chance you’ll regret leaving before 1-2 years than you’ll regret leaving too late.
Regret minimization is a pretty good framework for big life decisions.
I think that's a very fair point. I think I have a tendency to feel urgent and panicky when things go sideways or slightly off track.
I think the red flag for me is that you still feel in over your head 8 months in- have you felt this way from day 1 or did things get turned up a notch a couple months in and it's only been a few months stretch?
The advice I got when I as an analyst in banking (I felt this way from day 1) was to stick it out for 6 months and see how I feel and low and behold 6 months later the work didn't really let up but I got better. I would reach out to any mentors/managers you have at your firm and solicit their feedback.
There are good reasons to change jobs and bad reasons to change jobs you just need to be honest with yourself which side you're on. Are you changing jobs because you're running away from your current role or changing because you actually want to do the new thing. If the latter, do it and don't look back.
Thanks for the reply.
I do think I've improved, but that hasn't eased up my feelings of anxiety regarding my performance. As for the work, it's only gotten busier and I feel like the foreseeable uptake in projects is incredibly daunting (working on a slimmer team means I have a lot more responsibilities and ownership which is a rose and thorn). I do believe there is light at the end of the tunnel, I guess I'm consumed with doubt and lack the confidence to test and see it through given the rough patches I've been through thus far.
As for my prospects, if I'm being completely honest with myself, it's a bit of both. I think that this job is one I've grown to appreciate and respect but it's also something that I feel has overwhelmed me and I'm reflecting on the work I'm doing and having trouble finding purpose/meaning (too early to desire such traits in my job? Maybe I'm just a dreamer lol). I wouldn't be opposed to seeing out a career that may be less intellectually challenging in terms of analysis but more socially demanding and client-facing.
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