Quote:
Originally Posted by terminator
Thank you FireBug. Do you mind me asking what do you do now? It maybe incorrect, but I don't imagine there are many other careers that pay as well, how was adjusting to the post bank life?
Am I correct in understanding that morning call is at 530 because your boss is in the EST?
Do you have to eat dinner with your co-workers? Cant one just pack eat and leave earlier?
Final question, is it possible to have a long career in ER in Calgary?
Thanks again!
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I'm now in Business Development/M&A for an intermediate size E&P firm. Pay is better in my opinion. I trade off ultimate upside for far less volatility which, in my case, is worthwhile as I'm unlikely to every earn in the top quartile at a brokerage (I don't work hard enough ;-). I spent 7 years at a small boutique in Investment Banking which had a pretty cozy lifestyle and then 3 months in ER for one of the two big canadian independent shops so I've seen things both ways. With my resume and connections I could probably switch back into the industry if I wanted to (but I hope not to get that desperate).
As noted, morning call has to occur before the TSX opens for the day so that is early for us out west.
No, you don't 'have' to go out. But everyplace I've seen empties out around 4 as someone always has an expense account to stuff (whether it be brokers, lawyers, management, Investor Relations or other analysts). I think someone would struggle in the business who doesn't enjoy the schmoozing lifestyle (like i don't). Of course work still has to be done so plan on working at home or back at the office afterwards.
A long career? Sure, but then probably not a long marriage. People who love to work, i mean are consumed by it and get their whole identity from it, can probably hack it long-term at a top shop. But for the rest of us, it can be an exciting few years that opens lots of doors for other opportunities.
Top analysts do have tremendous earning potential however (probably not a good as IB though) and someone who is smart and ambitious could retire comfortably after a decade in the biz. But, from what I've seen, the one's who are ambitious enough to succeed can't ever seem to 'turn-off-the-switch' and take it easy. Instead they keep working just as hard until they die at their desk from a heart attack in their 50's. They are interred in a fancy coffin however. ;-)