MBA+CFA vs programming

I had been working as a prop trader for over 9 years, recently decided to quit. I recently turned 32 and I cba all this stress anymore of performing/underperforming, those sleepless nights when carrying insane overnight positions and so on, well, the hunger for more money had evaporated slowly over years, I am in OK shape, I could just retire, but it's too boring and I'd prefer to have more money (how much is enough, though).

Planning to take some time off working so I am considering doing an MBA and finish CFA level 3 meanwhile, but the post MBA future still gives me anxiety, it will be all the same horsesh*t, maybe less stress, but more corporate bureaucracy. 

Have any of you guys been in the same spot and considered completely chaning your career path, it seems that the big tech environment is more laid back, is that an illusion? I don't mind starting from the bottom and I don't care starter salary, having a boss that is 20/25 year old sounds annoying though. Going this path feels like taking a breath of fresh air working with all those awkward geeky guys. Am I delusional about it too?

BBC all of u <3

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Depends on what you want to do after the CFA + MBA (assuming that’s the sequence).

I can’t comment on Tech as I’ve never been.

There will be corporate stress and bureaucracy anywhere, ironically in places that are seemingly laid back. The top managers have too much time to play dirty politics, and your peers will be adept at dealing with those.

That said, you have a unique edge too. You could try buy-side asset management. Its lucrative and prepares you for a stable career path. They like CFA + T7 MBAs. You’ll need to tweak your mindset to focus on relationships, your ways of working etc. Pace is slower than other paths like IB and strategy. Plus they are close to the top of the food chain, so you won’t be the sacrificial lamb providing liquidity for the biggies to grab (like a retail trader). Your broker will also think twice before stopping you out.

Bear in mind that before you join, you need to be laser-focused on what you want post-MBA! Summer internship interviews start in Autumn, 2 months into start. They are your gateway to the next role.

Since you say “okay health”, focus on getting that fixed first. Get in top shape, travel, do sth different, then prepare for the challenges ahead.

You have money and skills to fall back on. There’s nothing to lose! I have neither, have aspired for 12+ years, and am still trying to get to where I want.

 

All you need is the MBA - why do you need a CFA charter?

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

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