Is exiting to PE / HF really better than staying in IB long-term?
Just wondering what people actually think about exiting IB to pursue a career at a PE or hedge fund?
Could someone who did the exit list the main differences between the three career paths in terms of lifestyle, climbing the career ladder, compensation, what options do you have after working on the buy side, etc.?
I had a quite interesting conversation with an MD at my firm and he pointed out that the main reason why he stayed in IB is the exposure you get to all the leaders in the corporate world - which is probably not the same if you work on the buy side?