So I spoke with the new Water Analyst and the Director of Research (DOR) at my old firm. Both apologized profusely for the way things happened when I left (although neither really had anything to do with how that happened). I spoke to the Analyst about the responsibilities I would have as part of her team. She is based in DC, but I would stay in the Philly office. Down the road she sees us hiring a third, more junior Associate. The firm is doing a lot of investment banking business in my sector and she has a lot of work to do as a result. Hiring somone with experience in the sector will make a big difference and there just aren't really any other people at my level (besides her Associate who chose not to join her when she got hired). Her interest in hiring me comes from who well liked I was within the firm and with our management teams and the fact that she needs to initiate coverage on companies that she doesn't know at all that I know extremely well.
The DOR and I spoke more in broad strokes, we didn't discuss exact arrangements or finances. He did say that they would pay back my relocatin bonus and I could expect a pay increase. The pay increase would probably put my salary close to what I am making at my new firm (NYC salary in Philly sounds great to me!). I would come back at the newly promoted level I left at (I got promoted when my boss passed away), but would be doing Associate-like responsibilities for the first 6-8months as I prove that I can cover my own names. A big concern I have is that things always take longer than they say, and I wouldn't want it to take more than a year to pick up my own coverage, especially on the smaller names that the current Water Analyst doesn't know at all.
The way I left it with both is that we would only get more specific about details if I expressed a real interest in coming back. Thankfully, they understand the position that I am in and it tough for me to decide if I like my current job because I haven't even been there 2 months yet. They are going to proceed looking for another Associate to hire, unless I tell them I am interested, in which case, we will get more specific on the details of my return.
Ever since Friday, especially last night, I've been losing sleep over this decision. What it really comes down to is a lifestyle choice. Do I want to work for a large firm in NYC, where my career can really take off, or do I work at the smaller shop where my life doesn't revolve around my work. It's a tough decision and I have gone back and forth numerous times. Going back to my old firm is the easier - but easy isn't necessarily better. Is my current job worth all the stress and aggrevation related to Adam finding a job and us relocating? Especially if we want to move back to this area within the next 5 years? Is it worth leaving? Will it be difficult to find jobs to get us back here? In a way, we feel like moving to NYC puts our life on hold in a way. If I return to my old position, we can start thinking about buying a house and starting a family sooner.
Philly vs. Manhattan
