Those planning to leave soon or who have already left, what went into it?

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some key considerations and thought processes shared by others who have faced similar situations:

1. Personal Well-being and Burnout:

   • Many professionals leave due to mental exhaustion and burnout. They recognize that their current role is negatively impacting their mental health and overall happiness. For example, one individual shared that they felt the only way forward was to resign and focus on regaining their sense of self, even if it meant having a gap in their CV.

2. Clarity on Next Steps:

   • Some take time to reflect on what they truly want out of their career and life. This includes identifying passions, hobbies, or industries they are curious about. It's important to have a clear understanding of what you hope to gain from leaving and what excites you about the next opportunity.

3. Financial and Practical Considerations:

   • Before quitting, many assess their financial situation to ensure they can sustain themselves during the transition. This includes calculating how long they can comfortably search for a new role without financial stress.

4. Strategic Exit Planning:

   • A good exit plan involves leaving without burning bridges. Professionals often take time to build skills, relationships, and a strategy for their next move before resigning. This ensures they can hit the ground running in their next role.

5. Avoiding Impulsivity:

   • Some regret quitting impulsively without a plan. It's often advised to have a deliberate and well-thought-out approach, including conversations with mentors or bosses to explore potential changes within the current role before making a final decision.

6. Reassessing Career Goals:

   • For those in PE or IB, the decision to leave often stems from realizing that the lifestyle or work no longer aligns with their personal values or long-term goals. Some pivot to industries or roles that better fit their desired lifestyle and definition of success.

7. Taking a Break:

   • A break can be a valuable time to recharge, explore new interests, and gain clarity on the next steps. This period can be used to invest in personal growth, such as learning new skills, improving health, or pursuing hobbies.

8. Mindset Shift:

   • It's crucial to shift from running away from a job to running towards a new opportunity. This ensures that the decision is driven by excitement for the future rather than dissatisfaction with the present.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, consider taking small steps to explore your options, seek support from mentors or professionals, and prioritize your mental health. For more insights, you can check out threads like "QUIT vs. STAY - A better way to think about it" (url: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/quit-vs-stay-a…) or "The end of my journey" (url: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/the-end-of-my-…).

Sources: Quitting IB in 2023 - Burnout, How To Quit Your Job (And Still Win), https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/leave-pe-early-or-stick-it-out-2-years?customgpt=1, Thought Consulting Was My Dream...Now I Hate it, How have you quit?