Investment Banking analyst to world traveller: Got exit opps?

Guys,

I realise that this topic is quite unusual but I still need some input from more experienced monkeys who have done this or know people who have done something comparable.

Background:
I am a 2nd year analyst in Banking at an elite boutique-type shop in a 3 year analyst program (common in Europe). I think I have a decent profile for PE / HF opportunities and might be able to secure something after my analyst stint.

However, my view on work/life changed quite a little bit and I am now contemplating taking a year / 9 months off to travel the world and enjoy life after constant 80 hours grinds at our wonderful office. I have accumulated some cash from various sources and I am sure that I have enough money right now for a trip like this, especially when considering the living costs in countries in Asia and other cheap regions around the globe.

My main concern is the way back into work life after a year of travelling. Will it be a huge turn-off for future employees (especially PEs, HFs, and SWFs) if I would go travelling for a year after my three years in banking? I would definitely try to do some voluntary stuff while on the road as I am not interested in a 12 months long vacation, but I want to see some new places for an extended period of time while I am young and don't have a family and other obligations.

I realise that this text sounds like it was written by a 16 year old schoolgirl who doesn't want to live at Mum and Dad's house anymore, but I would still appreciate any advise on "the way back into Finance" after a journey like this.

Obviously nothing is definitive so far and I am just thinking about it, but any perspectives are very welcome. Btw, I am not on the IB -> MF PE -> HSW -> Greatness trip, so I am very comfortable with a regular PE/HF/SWF job afterwards and don't need to become the next Henry Kravis or Jorge Paulo Lemann.

Have a good weekend, cheers!

 

I think the biggest problem you would face, and what your employer would be concerned about, is whether or not you can (or have the desire to) still bang out those 60+ weeks after your return from your vacation. The lifestyle shift, I believe would be too drastic, and if I wouldn't want to be at work at 9 pm on a thursday night after spending the last 6 weeks on a beautiful beach in Asia.

My 2 cents. _

 
Best Response
youngblood12:

I think the biggest problem you would face, and what your employer would be concerned about, is whether or not you can (or have the desire to) still bang out those 60+ weeks after your return from your vacation. The lifestyle shift, I believe would be too drastic, and if I wouldn't want to be at work at 9 pm on a thursday night after spending the last 6 weeks on a beautiful beach in Asia.

My 2 cents.
_

When you say it like that, I don't think I could come back to the grind either. I was thinking that I would take 6 months off before B-school in a few years, but even the thought of coming home and going straight into school sounds fucking brutal. Nothing worse than a harsh reality check.
 

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