Lost and burnt out with multiple gaps on CV

Hi all, I'm UK based. Long time observer, first time poster.

I'm looking to vent (a little) but also seek some advise.

Firstly I didn't go to a target university/school or have top academics but I worked really hard to educate and better myself to reach the holy grail of private equity. I started out in a small private equity fund targeting SMEs and ended up getting my ACCA qualification. I enjoyed to role and had multiple promotions. After 4+ years I took the opportunity to do some traveling which unfortunately was cut short due to COVID. When I returned to the UK I tried to get my old job back but no luck (COVID etc). I eventually landed a role at a large PE house focusing on real estate. I didn't enjoy the role due to the culture and and lack of RE experience so I quickly (<3 months) jumped back to my old shop after being offered a management position. Although I wasn't proud of this move I was happy again but around the 1 year mark I was coasting and getting bored.

So I started seeking new opportunities and got headhunted for a mid market PE Fund in the Energy Space. I felt this would be a big step up but a good challenge and opportunity. Whilst really interesting from day one I wasn't happy due to the pressure, expectation and my ability (lack thereof) to adapt. I tried to rise to the challenge which resulted in me burning out within 7 months. In order to prioritise my mental health I made the difficult decision to resign. Management were disappointed and noted my positive contributions and my ability so I've a good reference at least. Right now I'm burnt out and lost. My plan is to take some time off maybe do some travelling a figure out why this keeps happening.

What I've realised is that my original job in the small fund wasn't really PE. It was more like a lender so was pretty chill and low pressure. I feel I've ruined not only a career in finance but any career given my chequered employment history.

I really don't know what to do next and I feel useless. I would welcome any advice on the situation from people. How am I going to explain this to future employers? Will I ever land a decent job again?

2 Comments
 

Quo nihil expedita voluptatem natus sequi libero. Accusamus ex a harum. Qui dolorum assumenda asperiores voluptas dolorem vero. Eos aut explicabo exercitationem est.

Quod occaecati et assumenda velit praesentium quisquam tenetur. Error earum distinctio ut nihil cupiditate. Voluptatibus voluptatem ut odio optio dolore. A eaque autem occaecati est sapiente. Autem rerum eum et ipsum nihil. Enim sit tenetur alias omnis voluptatibus recusandae illo asperiores. Ipsum ipsum suscipit eum officiis accusantium id culpa.

Voluptas culpa qui facilis assumenda. Fugit sequi architecto voluptates quaerat totam. Expedita aspernatur temporibus neque laudantium repudiandae repellat voluptates.

Accusamus voluptas occaecati perspiciatis. Molestiae cupiditate quo consequatur. Labore vel laudantium iusto.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (47) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (24) $180
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (82) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”