Career Path Advice - CRE Debt

I’m an associate with four years of experience in asset management.

I worked on equity deals for the first two years — all asset classes and geographies, across the risk spectrum.

I transitioned to the debt side and have spent the last two years working on a portfolio of distressed legacy core workouts and high yield bridge debt loans.

While I expect to continue gaining valuable experience through the rest of the cycle, I’m open to making the right move at any time.

My jump to the debt side was opportunistic, so I’m unsure of the best progression from here. Without getting into details, the nature of this work could open a variety of doors.

What would you do?

Addtl. Info:

• I oversee and directly manage multiple analysts.
• My reputation my current company is good. However, I’ve narrowed my path on Debt AM with the progression only involving the typical gradual shift to more managerial/strategic responsibilities.
• I work 70-80 hours with occasional 90-100 weeks. Working fewer hours is a priority — I am willing to sacrifice progression/prestige for better WLB.
• I’m not interested in an MBA.