Like a lot of prospective bankers out there (I hope), my parents initially wanted me to become a doctor. It wasn’t quite for me, so I went into banking instead.
I’m wondering what other non-corporate job paths people were considering before joining the industry, and why they decided to become bankers instead. Were they career paths put upon you like me or was it a dream career that you passed up in favour of something with more upward mobility?
Doctor is a corporate job in this age of monetising everything
I studied Physics and wanted to become a cosmologist. I got a PhD in quantum information but then I realised that the academic path was a hell of a career: work at least 6 days a week trying to win a grant to fund your own research, very little hopes of landing a permanent role, virtually zero possibility of choosing where to live if you get that role, short term stints before getting there (if you ever do), and pathetically low pay on top of all that.
In comparison, even getting a foot in finance is much easier. But even at entry leve you get paid more than an average professor. The work in banking is mind-numbing and I genuinely believe that makes your brain age faster. But it pays much better and in the end it’s the only thing that matters.
No friends at work, though, because 99% people in this industry is unbearable.
Before exploring opportunities within the Banking Industry, I tried non-profits organizations, the medical field, city workers deemed essentials which all are defined as service-oriented jobs or careers that provide a well life balance, more flexibility searching for personal passion and freedom these roles can be goal oriented with the right type of work environment if you feel fulfilled when assisting people.
Curious which city workers you think are essentials
Health care workers, emergency staff, EMT’s, law enforcement. sanitation employees, crossing guards.
My dream once upon a time is the very same dream I have now:
Fisherman, ideally near one of the poles, ideally away from mankind for much time.
I thought you were referring to bank workers who were considered essential during the pandemic