Stay in NYC or dip to West coast
Hello
I am currently a second year analyst in RE group at an investment bank and have the opportunity to go out west (California) and work for a MF REPE (BX, Apollo, etc) I am born and raised in NYC (where I'm currently located at a top bank) but do you think it's worth the opportunity even if it's for only 2 years, am I idiot to consider not going?
Any insight or experience appreciated. Note I do not know anybody or have any family out west.
I mean why not, good to experience new and different things
I’m not sure where you are in terms of life with spouse, house, kids, etc. but if the opportunity is there I’d say do it. You’ll grow more professionally and personally doing something like that on your own.
I grew up in NJ and have made a life here. Married, couple of small 1-4 rentals, five month old baby, etc. and my wife works for the state so our health benefits are phenomenal. However, we’re looking for a change and know that if we made that move five years ago it would have been way easier.
You know many 2nd year banking analysts who have a wife and kids? You in the GS SLC office or what?
lol. If I was at GS doing what I do I wouldn’t be on here.
LA is very much a who you know city. Just know going into it if you don’t have existing friends or family in the area, it’ll be quite difficult to make new ones outside of coworkers.
lame take
It’s the nature of LA being spread out and if you’re from the area you know that.. Finding a social circle post-grad, with a demanding job, and no existing friends / family is a tough ask. It’s not an easy city like nyc. Hence why most firms in LA ask why you want to be there. May not be the take you want to hear, but it’s an honest take about the realities of moving somewhere new. If you’re up for the challenge though, send it. Can always move back
I came to LA knowing no one at 26-27. I have more friends now than I’ve had at any point in my life. Whenever I’m out and about with my friends, I run into other friends. You just need to get involved in the community - sports, fitness, events, etc.
Short answer: skill issue
Are you trying to make a career in RE? If so, I'd take it. a MF REPE on your resume will open doors for you anywhere. If you don't like LA, you should be able to pivot back to NY in 2-3 years
would that kind of role is it? acquisitions?
Correct
I also am a born and bred New Yorker, and I really regret not spending a year doing something else, somewhere else. It was always something on the horizon, and then I woke up and had a lot of personal commitments tying me down which made it all but impossible.
Can't speak on the recruiting opportunities, but I grew up in LA, went to undergrad/grad school on the east coast, and love LA so much more. Better weather, (slightly) better cost of living, people are nicer, better Mexican/Asian food, better WLB, etc
I agree as someone born and raised in Connecticut. I’m just flat out happier every time I’m in SoCal.
At an early age, I'd say it's worth it to try. If you don't like it, you can always go back. Not having any family or friends in the area would make it hard. SF does have a bigger finance scene and proper downtown connected to the city so you might have a better chance of meeting other people more easily as friends or networking. I used to work in SF and it has improved from what I'm hearing in terms of cleanliness and safety. LA on the other hand has warmer weather, more entertainment, but traffic is just a pain and making friends can be a little challenging because of that aspect. Whatever friends you make are going to be mostly near where you live or possibly work. If your job is in Santa Monica, you'll probably live and stay in Santa Monica, same for Century City, Downtown LA and El Segundo (where Apollo is). OC is really nice, more than LA and safer. Newport Beach is the main area where a lot of young people are. OC I'd say has a slightly larger finance scene compared to LA. More finance companies are headquartered there compared to LA, and while you still have to drive around to get to places, traffic isn't as bad.
Look outside the window dawg it’s like -10000 degrees here. Go somewhere warm and don’t look back
NY'er here. lived in both places, depends where. Love San Diego, would never live in LA of SF
Moving to SF was the worst decision of my life. Nothing beats NYC. Nothing. Also, SF is tier 2/3 for finance you get the short bus kids for the most part.
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