Why do people on-cycle / recruit PE anyways?

I'm currently an A1 and would be curious to hear from bankers who have on-cycled or off-cycled to the buyside.

I know most people view PE as more intellectually stimulating, but what are the other advantages that make recruiting for PE worthwhile? From the outside, WLB seems marginally better at best (and potentially the same or worse at some funds), and the golden era of PE seems to be behind us, with fewer associates realistically making partner and earning meaningful carry. I'm also not sure I want to go to business school.

I'm currently at a firm where my compensation can be as high as, if not higher than the comp at most UMM/MF firms. Like many analysts in my position, I'm feeling the pressure to recruit on-cycle because it seems like a window that may close if I don't take it.

I'd really appreciate hearing from people who actually went through the process:

  • Why did you decide to recruit for PE?
  • Did you end up regretting the decision?
  • How has the move benefited your career in the long term?
  • If you could do it again, would you still make the jump?

Thank you in advance!

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