Conflicted about my work?

Question

I was a college graduate of MIT 3 years ago. Like many, I went to work for a big Wall Street investment bank, on its fixed income trading desk.

I worked hard, learned quickly, and was well liked on the desk. A few months ago I was just made VP and was the number 2 guy on the desk (liquid rates). And the pay is not too shabby (300K year end bonus last year).

However, the more I work on wall street, the more I realize that the culture of the firms is simply to make more and more money, and the way it makes money is not by producing real products, but instead playing a game of math and gambling, and in turn, transfer others' wealth into your firms' pocket. It is simply a modern day robber, but of course a very smart and sophisticated one. I feel the entire Wall Street is a Jewish blood sucking machine.

I want to quit my job, but don't have the determination to do so, what can I do?

Answer 1

It's always been true that a person can make a Large Fortune in this Game, as long as many others lose Small Fortunes... it doesn't even have to be a large corporation.  Examples exist in everyday trading.

May I suggest cutting as much debt as possible and live inexpensively so that you can quit the job and become a fulltime trader?  You can use your experience for yourself instead of the company.  You will become bitter and miserable staying in a job you dislike so much.

Good luck to you.  :)

Answer 2

Whoa. You're a well educated, experienced,antisemite who has no backbone. Quite a combination. Probably where you are is a good fit. or you could write a book whining about it.

Answer 3

You are in quite a pickle.  I understand your disillusionment, but I don't know what you should do.  You are probably right about the "math and gambling".  

I think you should avoid making statements about different religious groups, because such generalizations do not represent either ALL Wall Street workers or ALL Jewish people.  Such statements may seem like an "easy" ways to think about things, but really don't help or accomplish anything.

Are you better off in this job or could you find another job that would make you happier?  Don't go looking for the big money because I'm sure you've noticed that money doesn't buy you happiness.

Answer 4

Go join the Army.