Transition TA to Trader - Time to Switch Shops?

General question for those who may have been in similar situations. Been at a buy side shop for about 5 years, past 3.5 as a trader's assistant. Handle a good variety of responsibilities for senior traders - aside from booking trades also price discovery, market analysis, implementation analysis, pre/post trade TCA, handle conversations with legal/compliance. Have been given good amount of latitude to forge my own way and take on additional responsibilities. My only concern is that my senior trader is about 40 and most of trading team, is that age or younger and don't seem to be going anywhere (believe our shop is there last stop). How best to weight the options of staying put and hoping for someone to leave (or asset base grows and more resources needed for trading team) or start looking at different shops for an opportunity? I get the impression that they support my desire to trade and have helped coach me in that aspect. My fear is being 27/28 without actual trading experience trying to get a trading job. Appreciate any feedback - brutally honest or otherwise.

 

I'd jump man. Seat space is so tough to come by, if you see one open go for it. I'm at the junior level too, little bit of a different situation than yours as I trade my own book (Got very lucky with the trader I started under), and I'd say no one is going to judge you for not actually trading. 3.5 years as a TA is a long time, and I'd imagine you won't trade until someone leaves. Jump now, and don't look back.

 
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