How soon should/can I lateral? (Assoc, 4th job in 5 years)

How soon should/can I lateral? (4th job in 5 years, not entirely out of choice) 

Just had a recruiter from a BB reach out to me for an assoc role and frankly, i'm quite excited to join/interview, but am wary of the bridges I might burn and am not sure if i should wait it out longer. 

I'm an first year assoc at a very small MM bank outside of US with seniors that have good experience (BB, EBs etc.) The brand is quite well known, just that in this part of the world we're very small for our M&A business, we have some average deal flow but it's not booming as much as the other banks but enough to keep us profitable.

Anyhow, this is also my 4th job in 5 years out of school. below is my job background. 

  • 1st year, retrenched after 9 months at a very small and boutique bank as the MDs went to do their own (Successful) start up
  • 2nd/3rd year, fresh analyst at a mid tier bank, left after they placed me in a group that i didn't really like
  • 3rd/4th year, joined a O&G player with seniors that have BB experience. retrenched during covid after 1 year (able to get a recommendation from my boss, have a good relationship) 
  • 5th year, currently at small MM bank after getting recommended by one of the Directors in their asset management division, am learning from my senior, around 6+ months in. 

Was initially thinking of looking out if i'm not happy after 1 year since my current firm said they'll review salaries by EOY, but i still feel i can work harder and be staffed on more deals and learn more at the BBs and would be keen to work there. 

Any Thoughts? thanks guys. 

6 Comments
 
  1. Main reason why i took up my role at this current bank was that they gave me the associate position, other banks late last year were lowballing and only giving me A3
  2. Showing some "loyalty" to current firm, don't want to mess up the reputation of the other director who referred me
  3. Management has noted salary has increased in the industry and promised to do a "salary review" by EOY and make us whole when bonus hits next year
 

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