Anyone in London successfully moved out of PE? What did you move into?
I’m currently a mid-level VP at a PE fund in London and honestly feeling pretty unmotivated by both the work and the people.
Background is fairly typical: started in IB, then moved across to PE and have been at two different funds over ~8 years total. Outside in things are going fine, but I’m increasingly questioning whether I actually want to keep doing this long term (or can put up with it. To be clear hours at my current shop are ok).
I feel like I’m at a bit of a crossroads. I’m not sure how transferable my skillset really is outside of finance, and I’m also unclear what realistic exit options look like at this level in London. At the same time, I’m weighing whether it’s worth taking the risk of leaving versus just sticking it out.
I’m not tied down (not married, long-term girlfriend but no kids), and I don’t have any major carry at stake, so that’s not really a factor in the decision. If there’s ever a time to pivot, it’s probably now.
Would be really interested to hear from people who’ve moved out of PE in London, especially at VP-ish level, what you moved into (corp dev, start-ups, operating roles, or something totally different), whether you’re happier, and anything you wish you’d known before making the jump.
Appreciate any perspectives, especially from people who felt similarly burnt out or disengaged before leaving.