Laidoff BB trader = Kiss of death?

smaller shops?

CFA to get into buyside?

How long have you been there and what product?

I suppose that is a huge disadvantage of going into trading; very narrow skillset not closely related to any other job.

What kind of trader? If you were just a flow guy then yes, you are fucked. If you are a prop guy with a good track record you should be able to get a job at a hedge fund or prop shop.

hedge fund

If you haven't thought of hedge funds or prop shops by now I think you are either an idiot or this post is a joke btw.

only way I see to rebound is school, or a miracle, or both

not considering hedge fund...

Exotic rates? I imagine you did a pretty good amount of prop due to the less flow, you don't think you could translate to a fund? I know its bad timing but have you looked at other IB's?

I did, there is interest, but no one is hiring. plus I am seen as relatively expensive (eventhough I would work for a paycut).

haven't done much prop, but the desk I used to work for is probably the best one in NYC in terms of PnL and dealflow.

school anyone? was thinking of one of those MFE's (though I already have a hard science graduate degree)

Daytrade baby daytrade.

lol daytrade into retirement sunset

shift to Asia? use your hard sci degree and lateral into algo stuff?

I have a soft spot for exotics, always seemed the cooler stuff. Hope you find a way through this & keep us posted.

Had an offer for a startup fund for this shit (algo trading). Startup meaning not trading yet, actively raising money, but backed by a pretty decent PE shop. They're targeting 250 bucks eoy.

whatchya guys think?

Personally, I still like picking up a phone rather than code computers to trade...

Interdealer brokers, depending on what product you trade, may be a decent opportunity. Big Firms like ICAP North America, BGC Partners, GFI Group to less immediate names like Tullett, Phoenix Partners Group are a few.

what do people think bank hiring will look like when things recover? Do inexperienced hires come only from undergrad or b-school? do banks take on people from Big 4/consulting/etc?

just my opinion, but I think you should work.

just to keep busy, a roof over your head, & keep in the city. algo should be doing well, liquidity providers rockin' in this market. once things turn around, you can find your way back - you won't be the only one trying, but you'll have done good stuff with your time off.

guess it depends on whether you like the people.

also, what about the options market-making prop shops/prop firms? a lot of 'em in chicago ...