UMM PE or High Paying Strat Finance?

Associate 1 at an EB with decent offers. Looking to leave asap. 

One offer is a PE associate buyout role where all in comp is probably $340-$380k but for 75-85 hours. Group is known to be pretty sweaty.

The other is strategic finance manager 1 at pretty hot tech company. All in comp (0 equity) is $175k base and quoted $140-$150k bonus, so all in of like $315-$330 for around 55-60 hours 

Seems like the answer is super obvious in that the strategy all in is pretty relatively close to UMM seat with less hours. However, I want to consider future earnings potential. What are odds I get shoved out of PE after 2 years? Aren't VP / principal promotes extremely hard to get? I do honestly envision I will be burned out as my EB has been a nightmare. The comp scale at the corporate is not as high, I have already asked. Good thing is I can probably sit in that seat and collect good money and not get burnt out. I was also told the position they hire for strategy they plan to promote them extensively (it is not a in and out role at all). 

What are thoughts, appreciate any help.

14 Comments
 

Thanks, it would be helpful for me as I am still in IB and never was in PE so don't fully get it - why do you believe that is the case? I assume everyone at a UMM is technically capable and used to the hours at that point, but is there still endless stress? Is it because promotions are super tough? I just don't understand how there is a clear line of insane comp if you stay in PE but 75% of your class would take this offer? 

 
Most Helpful

WLB is so important for your overall life and happiness, especially if you have loved ones and/or want to raise a family. While not in an investing seat I look at the Associates at my firm and to your point the vast majority do not get promoted (outside of a few who get a Senior Associate nod on a one-year contract). Sounds like you're already getting grinded pretty hard anyways. If you do the math of your EV based on your probability of getting promoted by your expected comp you might find that the choices are pretty similar!

 

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