Feeling burnt out + potential to return to old company
Hi everyone,
About 10 months ago I joined a 3rd party/arm's length RE company (doing AM/PM on behalf of institutional clients) and was brought in on the retail AM side. After about 4 months i was tasked with some development underwriting and that's become the main focus for the last 5-6 months.
Lately i've been feeling very burnt out juggling the development underwriting + retail reporting tasks. My previous role was in retail so i have more familiarity and understanding there (as well as in AM) but development has been draining to say the least. Unclear direction, lack of proper feedback/review on something i have no experience on, unreasonable timelines, etc have all contributed to me feeling burnt.
I was recently approached by someone at my old company saying they'd be happy to have me back with them, in a different capacity than before. The previous company was a retail tenant and I was on the real estate team, the new role would be directly on the new store team.
I only left them 10 months ago because I was on the leasing side (for existing stores) and wanted a change, but there weren't openings on the new store team at the time.
I was wondering, if I made the move to go back and work in that capacity for a couple of years, am i pigeonholing myself by working on the tenant side? What would the potential exits look like?
I'm not worried about the perception/image of going back to the old employer (it's clearly a good sign that they wanted me back) but I'm more so wondering if my exit opps are better where I am right now.
Any advice would be much appreciated!
Based on the Wall Street Oasis discussions on career transitions and burnout, here's what you need to consider:
Understanding Burnout: It's crucial to address burnout as it can significantly impact your performance and mental health. If your current role is causing undue stress due to unclear directions and unreasonable timelines, it's essential to consider whether these issues can be resolved internally or if a move is necessary for your well-being.
Returning to a Previous Employer: Going back to a previous employer in a new capacity can be a positive move, especially since they've reached out to you. This indicates they value your skills and contributions. Working on the new store team, as opposed to leasing for existing stores, could provide a fresh perspective and new challenges that might be more aligned with your career goals.
Potential for Pigeonholing: Transitioning to a role focused on the tenant side, specifically on new store openings, might seem like it narrows your focus. However, this experience can also be highly valuable, especially if you gain skills in strategic planning, market analysis, and project management. These are transferable skills that can be beneficial in various roles within real estate or even in broader business strategy roles.
Exit Opportunities: If you're concerned about future exit opportunities, consider the skills and experiences you will gain in the new role. If these align with your long-term career objectives, it could be a beneficial move. Additionally, having a diverse background in both tenant-side operations and development underwriting can make you a well-rounded candidate for future opportunities.
Long-Term Career Goals: Reflect on your long-term career goals. If working on the new store team offers opportunities to move closer to these goals, it might be worth considering the transition. Conversely, if staying in your current role and gaining more experience in development underwriting aligns better with your career aspirations, it might be beneficial to seek ways to manage the burnout and improve the work situation.
In conclusion, weigh the pros and cons of each option in light of your career aspirations, personal well-being, and the skills you wish to develop. It's also advisable to have open discussions with mentors or trusted colleagues to gain additional perspectives.
Sources: Regrets About not Going to Corporate Finance?, Breakdown of Post-IB Exit Opportunities, Exit Ops - The End of The Show II, Losing the drive, Career Paths/Exit Opportunities
Based on the Wall Street Oasis discussions on career transitions and burnout, here are some insights and considerations for your situation:
Returning to a Previous Employer: Going back to a previous employer, especially in a new capacity, can be a positive move. It shows that you left on good terms and they value your skills and contributions enough to want you back. This can be seen as a strong endorsement of your abilities.
Concerns About Pigeonholing: Working on the tenant side, specifically on the new store team, might seem like it's narrowing your experience. However, this can also be viewed as specializing, which is valuable. Specialization can make you an expert in a niche area, which can be highly desirable in certain markets or companies.
Exit Opportunities: The exit opportunities would largely depend on how transferable the skills you acquire in your new role are. If the role allows you to develop broad skills in project management, negotiation, and strategic planning, these can be applicable in various other areas in real estate or even in corporate development roles.
Comparing Current and Potential Roles: Consider the skills you are currently developing in development underwriting and how they align with your career goals. If the new role at your previous company offers better work-life balance, clearer direction, and more enjoyable tasks, it might contribute more positively to your overall career satisfaction and growth.
Long-Term Career Goals: Reflect on where you want to be in the next 5-10 years. Does working on the new store team align with these goals? Or do you see more value in sticking with your current role and the new skills you're developing, despite the current challenges?
Seeking Mentorship and Feedback: Regardless of your decision, it might be beneficial to seek mentorship and regular feedback in your next role to avoid the issues you're currently facing, such as unclear direction and unreasonable timelines.
In conclusion, while there are risks of pigeonholing, the potential benefits of returning to your old company in a new role—where you are wanted and can work in a better environment—might outweigh staying in a role where you feel burnt out. Consider how each option aligns with your long-term career aspirations and the kind of work environment in which you thrive.
Sources: Regrets About not Going to Corporate Finance?, Breakdown of Post-IB Exit Opportunities, Breakdown of Post-IB Exit Opportunities, Career Paths/Exit Opportunities, Exit Ops - The End of The Show II
bump
Looks like you have a chance to do what you want to do. Go for it. Most people don’t get the chance to do a different role at the firm they want and leave because of that.
i think the role itself (at the old company) is interesting and engaging however i feel like the exit opportunities might be very limiting? i'd essentially be working on new store openings/new store growth for a retail tenant. i can see myself building connections at the major REITs/landlords however i think the exit opps are in leasing?
Est ad autem vel. Pariatur fuga consequatur nulla vel temporibus fugiat. Nesciunt animi rerum quae. Exercitationem voluptates soluta at dolores velit voluptatem.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...