My employer is getting acquired by GTCR and Elliott management. Should I be worried about layoffs? I am a software developer. Anyone here whose company was acquired by GTCR?

I've been working for 3 years at an investment bank, mostly M&A advisory, somewhere in Europe. We're a young bank that started about 5-6 years ago, with about 7-10 people only.

When I joined, I told these guys that I would eventually move back to India, and I had this conversation with them a week or so ago (about my career progression, etc.): I told them I plan to move back in 5-8 months or so, and I'm in a process with a couple of companies back home. They offered me the chance to launch their office in India, facilitate cross-border or intra-India deals, and set up the office of this investment bank in India. They said they've been thinking about this for some time now, even before they brought up this conversation a week or so ago, and have broadly thought through this. What they're offering me is

• more or less my salary in Europe, but a part of it is share capital (upfront), and the remaining is monthly operational expenses (which will include my salary) to run the Indian office
• 40% in the Indian entity
• some ESOPs in the European entity, vested over 2-3 years and granted based on performance (details aren't ironed out yet, ofc)
• I will make final operational decisions (which mandate to persue, who to hire, when to hire, etc.), they will retain the governance (salary hikes, etc.)
• Salary would be structured based on monthly + year end bonus
• 1 year of confirmed runway, then we itterate based on the outcomes

The question for the community is: how should I think about it? The way I'm thinking right now is this: this is more or less a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enter into that entrepreneurial phase, which I always wanted to, by the way. Now, it is slightly de-risked, and if it doesn't work out, I can always try to get a job again.

My work for the first 6 to 12 months would be split between 50% support to the European mandates and 50% towards Indian origination and, hopefully, execution of Indian mandates. Currently, I lead mandates, so I'm the deal lead, and I have two analysts under me executing the deal. It is still not very clear how I would be able to lead the deal from India. It'll just be a lot less traveling, or whenever there's traveling, my managers would be the ones traveling instead of me.

Just got a job offer that I cannot refuse. Job is two levels above current, fully remote, ~$40k base salary increase, bigger bonus, management, reporting to the C Suite, etc. Now, I need to tell my boss and here is the complication:

I was out for a couple of days last week on unscheduled PTO (I have 60hrs+ banked so that is not the issue and it was an emergency). When I returned, I was told that I “had bad judgement, eroded trust with the team and leadership.” It was the most direct message of “your PTO made my life harder so don’t take any.” My last PTO was the same - with major deadlines shifting without my input the day before my return - they couldn’t wait a day.

I was planning on a cordial, “another opportunity came along that I cannot pass up” but I am extremely tempted to do a “based on our previous conversation, it is time for me to exit and let’s build a transition plan.”

Talk me into it or talk me out of it. I am so livid that they are basically directly telling me that taking PTO will negatively impact my career.

Edit: proofreading because I am to quick to hit post

Update: General consensus seems to be to keep it concise and Option 1, heard. Thank you for validating. I will post an update after I send it tomorrow.

Update 2: Standard short form resignation sent. I met with my boss and outlined that I would be leaving, declined to share any details on why I was leaving or where I was going and fired off a similar message to HR during the call. I will let them overthink it, it seems like the best strategy.

For context I am a senior in college who already has been working a full time job in my career field. I went to our schools career fair, just to see what the companies had to offer and to network a little bit. I knew that my employer was going to be there so I stopped there first and was there the longest out of all the other booths but I still feel iffy. My mind tells me that it was a bad look for me to be looking at these other companies, what do you all think?

26M – Feeling Stuck in Fund Accounting at a Megafund. How Can I Pivot?
Hey all, 26M here. Majored in finance and started my career deep in the back office as a contractor at a megafund before pivoting internally to fund accounting and eventually getting hired full-time. I was thrilled at the time, but two years later, I can’t help but feel stuck.
Compensation was great for someone starting out at 24, but after two years of underwhelming raises, I feel like I haven’t made much progress. I’ve consistently been a top performer, but due to the structure of our team, there’s essentially no path for staff accountants to get promoted to senior anytime soon.
Compensation in fund accounting is definitely solid, and if there were a clearer path for advancement, I wouldn’t necessarily mind staying in the space. That said, I’d really like to transition into fund finance, fund/portfolio management, or something more focused on financial modeling, valuations, and investment analysis.
I’ve managed to land a few interviews at respectable firms for Finance Associate and Senior Analyst roles, primarily at local VC firms. I’m actually in the process for one right now, waiting to hear back after a first-round interview, but I’m not feeling particularly confident about my chances lmao.
Unfortunately, the likelihood of making an internal move at my current firm is pretty low, so I’m trying to figure out the best way to strengthen my candidacy externally.
Is an MBA realistically my best option for making this pivot? I’ve also considered a Master’s in Finance or pursuing CFA Level I, but part of me feels like committing to the CFA before actually breaking into a more investment-focused role might be putting the cart before the horse.
For anyone who’s successfully transitioned out of fund accounting into fund finance, portfolio management, or a more analytical role, what helped you make the jump? Are there particular technical skills, certifications, or types of roles I should be targeting?
Would appreciate any advice or perspectives from people who’ve been in a similar position.

I moved to Canada two years ago with a Master’s degree in Audit and Management Control, hoping to build a career in my field.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a job related to my studies, so I started working as an auto insurance agent. Later, I moved to another insurance company and became a disability claims analyst.
I’m grateful to have a job, but I sometimes feel disappointed because I worked hard for my degree and ended up in a career completely unrelated to what I studied.
I want to find a way forward, whether that means returning to auditing or finance or making a complete career change. I’m open to learning new skills, taking courses, or exploring other fields with better opportunities for growth.
For those who have been in a similar situation, especially after immigrating to Canada, how did you figure out your next step? What career paths would you recommend, and where would you start if you were in my position?
I’d really appreciate your advice and personal experiences!

I've just felt like I've never understood this concept. Since, some high level people where I work don't have profile pictures. Those people seem to have successful careers to me.

My personal view is:

I don't care if people do or not. I don't judge people based on it. If I want to see what someone looks like I'll try to see if they have a Facebook account or talk to them in real life. I don't see why it matters at all about what someone looks like in a work environment I guess.

To me it seems like the main thing it does is it helps to get you noticed (if you want to be noticed). Besides that, I can't really think of many other huge benefits.

I have FAR more information in this post I've made, but i think what i need more is broad career advice then life advice.

(This is in Canada)

The quick summary is that i was in university back in 2016 to 2020 first for a BA in Physics, then i got extremely sick and had a ton of hospitalizations. I switched to Computer Security as it was as bit easier but my health deteriorated to much for me to continue. My health stayed bad for a solid decade until finally started getting better in 2024. However i already dropped out and stopped the process of getting my pilots license, which was my dream to be a pilot (I'm fully aware that its a difficult job with many negatives, didn't matter).

For all intent and purposes my 20s were spent in the hospital and are a black hole, I may be 31 but as far as life experiences are concerned im pretty much still 20. Though of course a potential employer wouldn't care about that.

My work history is pathetic with a tiny smattering of jobs (major issue #1), but i've have done an absolute ton of work on our property as well as operated plenty of machines, ATVs with trailers and plows, Snow blowers, Z cutters, Lifters, Earth Movers etc. We have a large property and as part of staying here i help my dada with the constant upkeep, snow removal, beaver dam clearing, grass cutting each week (takes two and a half hours on a z-cutter), basic maintenance etc. I may not have the work history to put on a resume, but i have worked a lot.

However my biggest largest issue is my current health, in the last two years i was getting better but i've plateaued hard. I still have daily pain that i'm on medication for (major issue #2), and literally do not have the strength or stamina to do any real manual physical job (MAJOR issue #3). I recently worked for a few months as a car mechanic doing oil changes and tire balances and instead of getting more stamina as i got into working i got less. Literally after each 5 hour part time shift i would fall asleep at home between 12 to 15 hours, and it got worse, by the end i needed to sleep in my car for 20 mins just before going home. EACH. TIME. Doing a few hours of work outside is similar enough to wipe me out.

I'm fine with going back to school, i excel with structure, but i need to know what i'm going back for. I need something that is mostly seated preferably indoors. And i mean anything, computer repair, tool and die maker, gunsmith, machinist, accountet, delivery driver, jewel fitter, crane operator just whatever as long as it's not going to literally kill me and there is a clear path of progress to take to get it, because my only other option is disability.

My two favourite things i excel at are using my hands, i love tinkering, building, figuring something out, working with a gadgets or tools etc. Every time i got to do something like that growing up i loved, while other kids at the summer camp went canoeing or rock climbing i preferred to stay inside and do stain glass with the soldering or spend time in the computer lab putting together PCs, i was 10.

I thought car mechanic would be it, i was thinking about getting the apprenticeship, doing the studying getting the tools, but flipping tires for five hours was literally destroying me. The rare moment i could help fix something kind of neat i would love it, like the one when we hooked up a trailer hitch and i helped with wiring in the lights, LOVED every moment of it . The physics coursework legitimately just came easy to me. This isn't some cringe humble brag i guess i just had the kind of brain wired in the way to easily understand it, not saying im smarter or anything.

The other thing is just how much it turns out i love operating basically any kind of machinery or vehicle. My first and foremost love is flying, i was getting my licenses before i had to stop for my health. But it goes for anything really, driving, operating things like the ATV, earth mover, bucket, jetski and boat (Uncle's cabin). The idea of spending all my time driving across the country caring whatever genully appeals to me, though that one probably isn't an option at the moment.

So many of these types of jobs need licensing or apprenticeships or some kind of schooling though that im paralyzed by both the choice and the known unknowns (i know there a toin of jobs that i could do, but i don't know what they are).

Also if it means getting my life back onto its own course im more than fine taking on debt, it's just an absolute necessary sacrifice. As long as the degree isn't underwater basket welding or something (the tradesman version of underwater basket weaving, which is a more creative field).

One of the few things i have going for me is that i'm completely fine and ready to uproot my entire life and go anywhere. 1500 miles north into the Canadian tundra to operate a guard booth at an oil field? Sure, i love the snow and quiet. fix computers at a tiny shop in a one light town 15 hours from the nearest city? Sure thing, love the countryside.

Again, i may be 31, but try to think of this more like i'm 20 and i just finished a gap (a gap decade) and i'm asking about what's the next best step. Once i have an end goal in mind then i can make the steps necessary to achieve it.

So I'm currently looking for a new job. Long story short my boss is a jerk. He's actually the owner. Nothing will change here.

Anyway, I'm in the interviewing process and I am feeling hopeful about giving my two weeks notice. If I give a two weeks notice and they asked me to leave right then and there I am actually shooting myself in the foot by not getting paid for two weeks.

I'm in Maryland if that matters, but what happens when that happens? I do the right thing by not burning bridges, but I won't get paid for two weeks.

I will not give notice until everything is signed and my background comes back clean etc.

Nakakapagod na mag hanap ng work huhu almost 7 months na and puro failed interview huhu super pangit ng sistema ng Pilipinas!

Hi everyone!! I just turned 27 and kinda lost in life tbh, seeking advice and perspectives now.

I graduated with a BSc in Cyber Security in December 2025. I chose Cyber cause I thought it'd be more interesting than SE. But as a craftsman, I didn't wanna be in that field anymore. And then I worked as a Software Engineer Intern cause I was already a Designer and a Frontend developer. After that I then again switched careers to Game Development. I'm a gamer too, so I thought I'd enjoy it more. Starting from January this year, I started doing Real-Time VFX freelance work for clients. It was going fine but I can't see I'm making a living out of it. After I did my last project 2 months ago, I've been jobless.

With the AI stuff and all, I'm eying for the hospitality industry. I'm thinking of doing this 18-month hospitality diploma and land a job in a hotel or something. They have 3 options, Culinary Arts cert, F&B Service cert and Hotel Management cert. I'm not sure what I wanna choose either. But certainly I have an interest in the hospital field. And move to a country like Germany, Netherlands or NZ in the future for more and better opportunities I guess, cause I live in Sri Lanka and the economy is in a cesspool here.

I also have the opportunity to apply for a DAAD scholarship in Germany and do a masters and then move on from there but almost all the masters they have are consecutive degrees. I don't wanna continue with IT anymore 🫠.

So, sincerely, I'm looking for advice now. I have one more shot that I could take before life gets really serious. Thank you!!

Hi all! I’ve been working at my first job out of college for about 6 months. I was hired as a Quality Engineer and have a degree in Biomedical Engineering. I found out today that our design team, the team I had been originally interested in joining, is looking to hire a new engineer. They’re looking for them at career fairs and such. I was wondering if it would crazy to talk to someone from the team about possibly transitioning to that team since that’s what I hoped to do eventually in my career. I have a good rapport with everyone so far, but again I’m kinda new. If I’m not being crazy (or even if I am) what would be the best plan of action to not leave burned bridges and/or lose my job? I get the feeling that this could be my chance and I really want to go for it😭

Thank you!!

I'm 22 and trying to figure out what career path makes the most sense for me long term, and I'd really appreciate some honest advice from people who have been in a similar situation.

I originally started pursuing an associate degree in accounting, but eventually realized it wasn't the right fit for me. I then decided I wanted to pursue nursing after moving out of state in a year, so I'm currently working toward an Associate of Applied Science (I am at the end of my 1st semester) to get my prerequisites out of the way while I wait to move. However, the more I learn about nursing school and what it takes to get through the program, the more I'm questioning whether it's really the career I want.

I've worked at car dealerships for most of my teenage and adult life, primarily in administrative and business related roles. My experience includes BDC, business administration, accounts payable/receivable, cashiering, inventory management, and secretarial work. I gravitate toward organization, planning, administrative tasks, and keeping things running smoothly, so I'm starting to wonder if I should pursue something more aligned with that experience.

My long term goal is to earn close to six figures, ideally eventually reaching $100k, but I'd really like a degree that can lead to a solid paying entry level job (ideally around $65k+ to start) without requiring me to spend four or more years in school. I'm open to different industries, including healthcare administration, project management, business operations, or something else I may not have considered yet.

For those with career experience, what associate degrees or career paths would you recommend looking into? Are there any that realistically offer good entry level pay and room to grow toward six figures, or am I being unrealistic about what an associate degree alone can get me? If I am, that's okay; that's why I'm asking for advice.

I'd appreciate advice from people who have built successful careers with an associate degree, as well as anyone who has switched career paths and found something that was a better fit. I want to make an informed decision before investing more time and money into the wrong program.

I'm going to be 23 in 2 days. I already feel like I'm behind, considering many my age are graduating from their 4 years and starting their careers, and yet here I am just starting.

So I work at a pvt Ltd company (automobile accessories), as a multimedia designer.

Today my senior suggested that we should shift from blender to maya and unreal engine for our work, I pointed that those are industry grade softwares and are beyond both our pay grade. Upon that the company won't provide the licensed softwares. We would have to "manage" ourselves.

Learning industry standard softwares is plus point but without any pay raise I don't think this would be a good idea. Experience holders please guide your junior.

hey! would love some advice on this. landed myself at a start up and am not loving the work currently. I interviewed with another company earlier this year (got the offer but declined at the time)and they said they would have an opening before end of year. I am also considering boomeranging back to my prior firm and asking if my spot is still open, however I don’t want to use up the goodwill on them if the other firm puts me through a process soon. because I am not guaranteed any job, should I reach back out to my old employer now (it's only been 3 months so maybe my spot is still open?) and cross the bridge later if the other firm essentially interviews me at the same time? I know I don’t own either company loyalty technically but I don’t want to come across a situation where both companies extend an offer and then I burn a bridge with one of them by rejecting one of their offers. (burning a bridge as in the boomerang firm would just never take a chance on me again if they extended an offer again and i reject or the firm I may get into a process with would just remember me as the candidate who rejected them two times in 1 year lol)

TL;DR Should I go back to my old company and ask for my old job back or do the interview process for the other firm first before committing?

Recently was hired as a contractor for a client company dealing with autonomous vehicles not really interested in engineering, but I took it because I needed a job and it’s a pretty cool gig.
To be totally honest though I’m really interested in finance I like the news and current events on the stock market. I have an associates degree and was accepted to a four-year university State College. Should I go back to school and finish my degree in aim for an internship? If it matters, I’m currently stuck at $28 an hour which for me isn’t bad but it’s not where I want to be long-term.

We all know living in NY is crazy expensive. As a single person living in one of the 4 major boroughs, what section in HR is a good cross between good pay, career progression and a good work-life balance / lower stress? From what I hear, recruiting should be avoided but I’m not sure if that just depends on the company. I’d also like to consider things like job security and not being replaced by computers anytime soon. From someone with only 2 years of HR experience, I’d love to hear your input. What are your thoughts?

Hi everyone!

I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at QUT, but I’ve been having second thoughts about whether law is the right career for me.

One of my biggest concerns is job security after graduation. I don’t know anyone working in law or have any connections in the industry, and from what I’ve heard, it’s a pretty saturated and competitive field. I’ve also been cold emailing firms and applying for student legal jobs but haven’t had any luck so far, which makes me worry even more about finding a graduate job.

Another big factor for me is work-life balance. In the future, I’d really like to prioritise having a family and being able to switch off from work when I get home. I’m worried about the long hours, stress and potentially having to bring work home as a lawyer.

I do enjoy studying law, so it’s not that I dislike the degree. However, I’m also unsure whether I’d enjoy sitting at a desk for most of the day. I’ve heard people describe being a lawyer as “doing homework for the rest of your life”, which doesn’t sound too appealing. I don’t think I’d necessarily hate it, but sometimes I wonder if I’d be happier doing something more hands-on.

Recently, I’ve been looking into other careers that offer decent pay, job security and a good work-life balance, and podiatry has caught my attention. I like the idea of working in a clinic, being more hands-on with patients and potentially having more regular working hours.

I’m now considering switching to podiatry, but I’m worried about making the wrong decision, especially since I don’t actually dislike studying law.

I’d really appreciate some honest opinions, particularly from anyone working in law or podiatry in Australia.

Would you recommend your career, and are you happy with your work-life balance?

How difficult was it to find a job after graduating?

For podiatrists, do you enjoy your day-to-day work, and is the pay decent?

Has anyone made a similar switch, and did you regret it?

I’d love to hear your experiences. Thank you!

TLDR: Stick to an IT path or to join the Police force.

I work in IT at the moment. I'm on track for at least one promotion this year with a follow up next year to make around 80k+. My degree path would put around 250k at my peak assuming the world doesn't implode due to AI.

I have a few police friends that are trying to convince me to join their police force with this next round of new hires. I know for sure I would make 80k within two years of starting and the career seems a bit more stable. I'm in a low crime area as well and it's always seemed like a fun idea.

I am currently a program manager and I recently moved 1 hour away from my job. I use to work 3 days a week now I am being asked to work 5 days and possibly work unpaid overtime as an expectation. The commute is 1 hour each way on a good day but for example today it took me 2 hours and 30 minutes to get home. At this rate I am looking at 2-3.5 hour drive a day totaling 10-17 hours a week just driving. My salary is 103k totaling about 6k per month after taxes and insurance. Can find a job closer to home working 3 days a week making 5k a month after tax and work an online job making 1-2k a month. I know the job market is hard right now but is this job worth keeping? And I am also being asked to pick up another location 1 hour 30 minutes away from my house and that commute is based on a good day.