Grateful for the Fortuitous Twist That Shaped My Future In 2001, the Nasdaq had plunged by 50%, and I was rounding off my second year as an analyst at GS, fearful of not receiving an offer for a third year.
It was clear to me that earning a third-year analyst position would be a challenge, as only the top performers were retained. I felt like a misfit, an unusual character who had somehow found his way into one of the world’s most prestigious investment banks.
As a public school graduate with little fashion sense, I often dressed inappropriately. I can still hear my VP shouting, “Get that dog collar off your neck!” referring to a Hawaiian puka shell necklace my girlfriend had gifted me. Clearly, there were advantages to attending a posh prep school.
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I was not a favorite among my colleagues. Once, I irritated Michelle, an MD at the Latin America desk, by humming while engrossed in some research. She later lost faith in me when an option I purchased plummeted to zero.
Finding my place was a struggle, as evidenced by the 7 rounds and 55 interviews I endured. No department wanted me, but thanks to a recruiter named Kim Purkiss, I was given a chance, a debt I can never fully repay.
The Unexpected Call That Sealed My Destiny My daily responsibilities included screening phone calls for senior colleagues, and the communication was often noisy and chaotic.
One day, just before the market opened, my boss’s phone rang. I answered it and was met by Jim, the Head of the Asian Equities business, calling from Hong Kong at 10 pm. He wanted to speak to Tom, my boss.
As I peered through the monitors to alert Tom of Jim’s call, a conversation unfolded that I was never meant to overhear. It was about my future as a third-year analyst.
Tom spoke about a potential position in Taiwan but doubted my suitability despite my Mandarin skills. I suddenly realized that my day trading habit had jeopardized my future.
The call ended with the somber realization that my time at GS was limited. My heart dropped, and I knew I had to act fast.
Hunting for New Opportunities The impending end of my employment in June weighed on me like a death sentence. As others were being laid off around me, I panicked and began searching for new opportunities.
Bear Stearns had an opening for an analyst position, but the environment seemed less appealing. I had no option but to pursue it, however, to keep myself employed.
Then Came the Lucky Break While waiting for another interview at Bear Stearns, a call from a nervous stuttering Michael changed everything. He was interested in hiring me for a competitor in San Francisco.
Excited, yet composed, I set up a private discussion to explore the offer. I was thankful for Elaine, my stern interviewer, who had facilitated this connection.
The Offer I Couldn’t Refuse Weeks later, I met with the team at Credit Suisse in San Francisco. They were a friendly bunch, and the offer was irresistible: an Associate title, a 64% raise in base salary, a guaranteed bonus, housing assistance, and more.
I had gone from the brink of unemployment to a raise and promotion in a new city. This was one of the luckiest turns of my life, potentially worth tens of millions of dollars.
Capitalizing on the Opportunity I seized this second chance and competed fiercely against my old firm, eventually running the business and hiring a team. This 11-year ride with Credit Suisse ended with a satisfying exit in 2012.
Had I joined Bear Stearns, I might have faced a dead-end when the company collapsed in 2008.
Embrace Gratitude for Luck In hard times, it’s easy to be our own worst critics. Reflecting on our blessings can shift our focus from negativity to gratitude.
I believe that thankfulness leads to happiness, while unreasonable expectations, ingratitude, and constant comparisons rob us of joy.
Consider writing about your life’s journey; it’s a way to remember and appreciate the lucky breaks you’ve experienced. Remember, focusing on the positives can make you more thankful and joyful.
Invest Wisely in Real Estate Since 1999, I’ve leveraged my stock market gains into real estate, valuing its stability and utility. I advise regular investment in real estate, whether in personal property or through funds like Fundrise, to preserve and grow wealth.
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