Am I stuck in prop trading?
I worked a year at one of the better quant trading firms and quit from burnout a few weeks ago. Wasn't close to being fired but not superstar either. Now am reconsidering where to go from here. I could lateral to another shop and hope it works out differently, or could switch industries entirely for a massive pay cut (350k to guessing ~100k). I like markets, game-type stuff, risk. Not good enough at tech to swe. Degree from top 10 school but interned in trading and don't have much of finance background. What are my options realistically? So far I can think of: MBA, stay in trading, switch to consulting and grind from the bottom, switch to finance and grind from the bottom... Have plenty of money saved up if that matters. Long term I would ideally have a job paying 200k+ few years down the line with solid wlb and some exit flexibility, if I decide to ditch trading. Just want something solid where I don't wake up in the morning hating my life. Appreciate any advice.
Fintech startup? You clearly are ok with risk since you quit before another job came up. And you have a tech and finance (or at least trading) background as well.
I wouldn't really know where to start. Startup is massive risk, have considered it but not sure I would be good at running a company.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, it seems like you're at a crossroads in your career. It's not uncommon to feel burnt out, especially in high-stress fields like quant trading. Here are a few options you might consider:
Lateral Move: You could try moving to another trading firm. Each firm has its own culture and work environment, so you might find a better fit elsewhere.
MBA: An MBA could open up a lot of doors for you. It could provide you with a broader business background, which could be beneficial if you decide to move away from trading.
Consulting: If you're interested in problem-solving and strategic thinking, consulting could be a good fit. It's a demanding field, but it can also be very rewarding.
Finance: There are many roles in finance that might suit your interests. For example, you could consider roles in investment banking, private equity, or asset management.
Remember, it's important to find a balance between a job you enjoy and one that provides the lifestyle you want. It might be worth speaking to a career counselor or mentor to help you navigate this decision. Good luck!
Sources: Career in Finance - Reality or Reach?, What are the Academic Backgrounds of Consultants?
Why don't you consider switching to a hedge fund? There are plenty of hedge funds that need the type of skills you have and could afford you. The culture at some of these hedge funds could not be the greatest if you're looking for a chiller environment, but I'm sure there is one out there.
Maybe Asset Management or a role at a hedge fund on the trading side jr pm/execution. Equity sales trading and flow trading wouldn’t be out of the realm either but not sure if that route sounds fun for you.
My recommendation would be MBA -> Sales at an Asset Manager. You can speak the language, and top shops pay $300k-$350k out of school.
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