Analyst looking for career advice and opinions———-
I’m an investment analyst for a smaller PE shop, been in the role for a year now after being in asset management at another firm for a couple years. I like my company and team, they really value work life balance and I work at most 50 hours a week, usually closer to 40. Comp is right in market range, so can’t really complain much there. I was involved in about $130m of acquisitions last year across 5 deals, with most of those as the only analyst with my VP running lead. While the experience is great I do wish to see larger deal volume and deal sizes. I have friends at larger firms working much longer hours, but they do either larger or more deals (or both) and receive higher comp. Besides more money, I would like to get more underwriting and deal experience in less time. With the job market right now I could probably get in a firm like that without tremendous effort, but also know that my current work life balance is irreplaceable. My position here is pretty solid with a decent upward mobility, but it’s hard not to look outside with recruiters hitting me up on a daily basis. 

Would love some advice and opinions from industry veterans on making a move like this. Just a younger guy looking for some mentorship. Thanks
[{"id": "i2ev697", "text": "I\u2019m a 2nd year analyst so not an industry vet, but it sounds like you\u2019re in a great spot. People, including myself, would love to be where you are. \n\nWould working an extra 25 hours a week be worth a bit more money and the experience of more deals? It sounds like you\u2019re living the dream already. 5 deals a year sounds like plenty of experience for if you decide you\u2019re definitely going to take the jump later down the line. \n\nThe grass is always greener imho", "replies": [{"id": "i2i4lmp", "text": "Thanks, appreciate your take. Grass is always greener.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "i2fcvr0", "text": "In the literally exact same boat (had to do a double take), would be happy chat offline", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "i2h9e0p", "text": "5 deals a year is decent volume. With the WLB I think you\u2019d be crazy to jump ship unless you really want the money and name brand from a larger place. Take it from someone a bit older - the longer you\u2019re in the workforce the more you\u2019ll appreciate WLB.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "inx6squ", "text": "How are things now at the smaller PE shop? Did you end up moving? I'm in a similar spot working a small PE shop in OC, which is more like a start up (2 partners and myself as the only analyst). Mind if I DM you for some feedback?", "replies": [{"id": "inx822p", "text": "Of course, happy to help", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}]