Stay in Debt Originations or transition to Equity Asset Management?

This is all at a LifeCo.

Got pulled into the directors office of another group and asked if I wanted to join his team post bonus. Currently AN2.5 on the debt originations side and its ok, could potentially see myself doing debt for the long haul but kinda seems like I would be taking the easy route (no offense but this job is easy/chill af). As we all know, originations are probably going to be slow in 2023 so I could take a year of getting paid well to sit around (my MDs words) or take the AM role and work a bit harder for I think the same pay (could probably neg a bump). 

Long term plan (idealistic) is to do 2-3 more years at this firm, maybe B school (UG is very meh), try and join somewhere at VP/AD+ level (need to pretend I got somewhere on my own) and then go work with my old man/uncle who are industrial owner/operators. (I already work for them ~10-20 hours a week on the side. Both of the are previously non RE guys who bought stuff on the side and need that institutional touch.)

Obviously the AM role is more conducive to my long term plans but I have noticed a lot more title inflation on the debt side. Another point is I'm not sure if this would screw up my promotion timeline as this is a promote year for me and I don't know if switching teams will impact that. AM is also a much more recession proof role compared to what I am doing now where I am essentially un needed right now. 

Any thoughts would be helpful, Thanks.

(Don't knock my over use of parenthesis) 

14 Comments
 

I personally would rather be in AM right now, which I am btw at a REIT. I was in originations last year (fully in office) and moved to an AM job (remote). Way less stressful and way less hours.

 

I’m in debt so not sure but it’s really chill. Sometimes work 1-2 hours a day and sometimes 6ish when busy.

 

I would just do what you want to do. If you are going to work as an operator in industrial, I would say AM could be good to get exposure. That being said, managing industrial assets is not the most complicated thing. Also, if you are at a lifeco I would not worry too much about what role is more recession proof. Lifecos in general are recession proof. 

 

Sounds like AM is the best long-term option for you.

I am very intrigued by the lifeco lifestyle. I kind of want to end up at one. Any lifeco bros on here who'd be up for answering a few PM'd questions?

 

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