What happens to quitters?

I'm getting ready to start this summer at a BB bank, and we all know that the burnout factor at banks is pretty high. A certain percentage of analysts simply can't take/don't want to take the hours or lifestyle in banking and end up quitting in the first few months. What do these guys do? Doesn't it look horrible on your resume when you have worked at a bank for 3 months or whatever and then quit? Is banking career suicide for these guys, or what do they go on to do?

 

It's not ideal, and obviously it's unlikely you'll get another job doing Corp Fin, but every move is explainable, just need to be able to rationalise why you moved so quickly. Much easier if you didn't do an internship. Everyone understands the lifestyle in banking is miserable so it won't be held against you. Easier if you finish the first year though.

 

I have known of and indeed hired people who successfully jumped ship before the first year is up. If they can supply a good reason for leaving (getting out ahead of group layoffs, for example, or their MDs all jumping ship for another shop), then we will consider them. Like others have pointed out, though, it is an initial hurdle that must acceptably be explained. Think very long and very hard about leaving without having something else lined up first.

Once more into the breach, dear friends.
 
Best Response
Indeed:
I have known of and indeed hired people who successfully jumped ship before the first year is up. If they can supply a good reason for leaving (getting out ahead of group layoffs, for example, or their MDs all jumping ship for another shop), then we will consider them. Like others have pointed out, though, it is an initial hurdle that must acceptably be explained. Think very long and very hard about leaving without having something else lined up first.

I am one of the poor fucks on here who has had a chance to be at three banks (From the 3rd best BB), to a no-name (I didn't last long there since mgmt was horrible and only stayed for a few months) then to a MM (I love it here and can see myself becoming a career banker). Again, it's all about your story. You can argue that longevity displays commitment, but then again, if you're not "drinking the kool-aid" where you are, or if you find it a waste of time, MOVE and learn elsewhere!

No where in life should you short-change yourself on a learning experience unless pain-now, rewards itself later on. That could be the only downfall on leaving early.

From my experiences, moving to another bank might cause a burn in the bellies of the other bankers for a short-while, but time will cover those burns and you can eventually use those people as references… heck, they might even become friends!

 

the eventual benefits of sticking it out one or two years are much greater than the immediate benefits of quitting after a few months - the exit opportunities are unlimited. i don't think that someone who could only take three months of the job deserved it in the first place. but you can always start your own company, for which your resume is probably less important than if you went to apply for another job.

 

Nisi veniam praesentium dolorum et voluptas praesentium. Corrupti et velit nesciunt et incidunt accusantium deserunt. Corrupti et est enim illo error eum.

Doloremque ex repellat optio est corrupti. Non laudantium blanditiis consequuntur sit. Fugiat vitae aut id commodi officiis voluptates reiciendis. Perspiciatis eum odio ab tempora.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (145) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
9
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”