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?

 

Optio facilis alias fuga quidem. Fuga sequi omnis minus officiis est repudiandae.

Rerum odit impedit quia. Reiciendis et voluptatem nostrum ut. Itaque fugit nesciunt veniam suscipit. Nulla ut maiores ullam maiores ullam aut.

Career Advancement Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. (++) 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (13) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (202) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (144) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
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...”