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?

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