Going from MF to smaller shop

Hey all - short end of it is, I've been an associate for ~1 year at a large MFREPE shop (e.g. BX, Carlyle, Brookfield).

The pay is good but I can't see myself climbing the ladder for the rest of my life + the internal bureaucracy / lack of independence really gets at me. I'm looking to pivot to a smaller shop where I can do more of the deal sourcing, handle more docs negotiation, and do more middle-market / lower middle-market deals (I actually started my career at a smaller shop like this).

However, I'd look for (i) a fund with a strong track record, focused on a niche / style that I have conviction in and (ii) a fund with good culture / people I like to work with.

Anyone who has made the jump able to provide some perspective or even warnings? Real estate has obviously had a tough couple years, and not sure where we go from here, so curious if people think there's still upside on going to a small platform.

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