First year analyst here and already dreaming of a position that offers more freedom/flexibility in schedule. Took a trip to Utah (beautiful) and came back and was told to WFH so now I'm really realizing how much I dislike being in the office, staring at a screen when there's so much more out there.
Obvious answer is probably a broker of some sorts, but which area? Investment sales? Leasing? What about analytical roles? Is appraisal pretty flexible? How much could you earn in these "flexible" roles?Currently a debt/lending analyst and although I like my job and the hours are not bad at all, I just can't stand being in the office 5 days a week. Thanks in advance
Work for a middle market firm or family office that is not based in NYC.
In my experience you are compensated similarly (sometimes more), and the work life balance is lightyears better.
You just sacrific prestige...but who gives a fuck.
Sounds exactly like the set up I currently have lol. I'm not in NYC, compensated very well, and my hours are really good for the most part. Idk if I'd even leave my job cause its a good setup but I'm honestly trying to move to Colorado (probably Denver), be able to WFH when I want, and occasionally take a day off without having to request off. Like, I'm thinking appraisal could be a good set up, as I have zero experience as a broker and not sure I fit that personality just yet. Seems like some appraisal guys get compensated per report or whatever, so could be a good situation...
I started my career in appraisal with a big shop and liked it but eventually left because the work was not that fulfilling. it is flexible but to be lucrative you’ll be glued to your computer 40-50 hours a week not including the one day a week you’re on the road for site inspections.
Okay, regardless of industry/firm/size/market/etc. anyone in their "first-year" isn't going to have that much freedom/flexibility on a relative basis. That comes with skills, ability, and trust... i.e. knowing what the fuck to do and being trusted to do it without being watched.
Jr. brokers (at reputable shops at least) and jr. appraisers do not get freedom/flexibility, senior ones may. Those "eat what you kill" by fees/commissions roles do have a form of greater freedom/flexibility but it really can be an illusion. You must go on meetings, get reports done, make sales calls, etc. to get paid. If you stop those items, you don't get paid. Sure, no external boss is telling you where/when to do per se; but (if your successful) the internal boss (you) will be as ever demanding. I mean, can you really say no to a perspective clients' request for meetings? In truth, you control your schedule more, but you will fill it up just the same and may find it hard to actually take time off.
In reality, the people I observe with the most actual freedom/flexibility are those who are mid-senior level professionals at firms large enough to have support staff and the ability to delegate. Some roles by their nature will be more flexible and others rigid. Anything that is "client facing" or sales related will be more rigid; the other end is more internal roles like research/strategy, asset mngt, or anything that is more based on subject matter expertise than activity based.
As for remote work/work from home, that again will be easier with seniority. Some firms embrace it, others don't. Maybe all this COVID-19 stuff will make it more common. I have a role that is very flexible, I can generally work from home whenever I want, but I really miss the office right now. I do have to travel a lot, but I set my own schedule for that for the most part (corp meetings are planned months in advance so not that bad). I think these arrangements are more common that people realize, but again, you have to develop the skills/experience to be effective in these roles.
+SB, an illusion indeed. Tugg Speedman, the only way to pull this off would be to have a mentor you could talk to almost daily to coach you through your work (or a boss who also works remotely). Pitching new business would be quite an obstacle, too.
Same. I've always liked coming to the office to get my head in the game (and to separate work / home life by leaving it). Bummer to barred from going into the empty office (landlord temporarily deactivated key cards to keep everyone out).
I also live in a 1BR in Manhattan so don't have the luxury of a home office, and have to make client calls on the couch or my little kitchen island.
Incidentally, does Zoom suck for anyone else?
Firmed moved to Zoom in the last year. It sucks. I miss webex
Its natural to have the "oh shit do I really have to do this for the rest of my life" feeling your first few years out of school. You will eventually transition from being an analytical / behind a desk guy to a more business / out in the field guy as you advance in your career.
Like everyone has said above, the freedom of fee based / consulting is an illusion because while you don't have to answer to an internal boss, you do have to answer to a client and clients are typically more demanding. This makes it hard to shut off because a lot of these guys are always available by phone / email (even on nights and weekends).
What your describing is what almost everyone here aspires to, having enough money to not have to need to work, but having the option to choose to work. No really shortcut in that front unfortunately.
Yeah our analyst's cannot WFH - we don't even issue them laptops for the most part. They were the last to leave, and will certainly be the first back in. So, at least for IS, still glued to your computer lol.
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