Tech IndustryDec 9, 2019
Newm349830

Broke, working for free, and feeling hopeless. Need help.

Got an MBA to after getting laid off. I was a Business Analyst at a bank and had been working on a startup before getting laid off. I wanted to skill up and learn as much about the startup world as I could. So I went to the Fulltime at a T30 MBA program. Everything was going well. I started working at the second largest VC firm in my city during grad school. It paid next to nothing but I was learning a ton and making awesome connections. I looked at it as an investment into myself so I kept pushing. I exceeded everyone's expectations for the role Then I got an opportunity to work at a fund everyone in the startup ecosystem has heard of so I moved across the country, despite even less pay. I did even better work for this firm because I learned from my precious experience I thought everything was going to work out. But this is where everything gets ugly. The firm I interned with in grad school and was in the midst of negotiating an offer with, shut down unexpectedly because the managing partner couldnt finalize his next nine figure fund ( Basically took his ball and went home). Ok, I can deal with that so I took a non-investment role (advisory and partnerships) with another VC firm where my pay checks are tied to the money I made for the firm. Unfortunately, my MD developed a massive drug habit and has done zero work (Cocaine and Ketamine almost daily). Any client I bring in, he screams at and tells them they are shit. So we cant keep a client and I have stopped bringing new people in to save my reputation. I am still doing everything I can for the few companies left because I want to stay true to my word. So officially, I have a job, but I'm making nothing. I've been interviewing for Product roles across the US and networking extensively but it's been months and I can't land anything. Everyone has the same feedback that I'm a great culture fit but they are going in a different direction. My bank account is zero and the only reason I am not currently living on the streets is because I have wonderfully supportive parents who are able to help financially and a finace who really is my rock. I am thankful everyday for those two things. I have an undergrad degrees in Engineering and economics in addition to the MBA. I thought all of that would make me hireable for a number of roles. But instead I feel like my financial future is ruined and all my studies and investments in myself have been a waste. I dont know what to change and I dont know how to get off this hamster wheel of interviews and rejections. Each cycle of interviews it becomes more and more difficult to hide everything I've just share and to show the happy, and grateful person I am. I'm taking a shot in the dark here, but Blind if you think you can help me, I could really use a hand.

Amazon broke&dumb Dec 9, 2019

Holy shit. It's a dark scary world out there.

New
VentureBoy Dec 9, 2019

1. I’m very sorry this has happened to you man. 2. If you are able to step back and evaluate , you seem to be very qualified and have some valuable experience. An engineering and economics degree in addition to an MBA makes you a very well educated candidate. It sounds like you’re in a really tough rut right now, but there should be real opportunity for you with your background and your education level. I don’t think your studies and investments in yourself have been a waste. Just all about reaching out to whoever you can to seek a job or even just some support or feedback. Keep your network open and reach out to those who really know you and know the value you can bring to a firm. It sounds like you’re at a rock bottom place in terms of work, but just know it can only go up from here. Good luck and never give up. You will be okay, my friend. Stay persistent and show others what value you can bring.

New
scheme Dec 9, 2019

You are one good interview away from getting out of this mess. Have you tried staffing companies like Randstand? Good luck!

Google checkmat Dec 9, 2019

DM me, if you send me your resume, I can see if there's a good fit amongst companies I'm connected too.

New
m349830 OP Dec 9, 2019

Sent you a DM

Prudential -asdf- Dec 9, 2019

Reconnect with all your former MBA classmates. Reach out to your school's career resources. Most decent schools will offer some assistance to alumni looking for a job.

New
m349830 OP Dec 9, 2019

I'm working on it. I've connected with one at amazon and one at PWC but neither of them have been able to help beyond words of support. My school's career office is hot garbage.

New
tc400k Dec 10, 2019

Hey, shoot me your resume and location. I consult with a few companies and you sound like a good catch.

New
m349830 OP Dec 10, 2019

Sent you a DM

Honeywell tRud03 Dec 18, 2019

I interviewed consistently for 7 months. Good culture fit, but different direction. Then, all of a sudden, 8 months in and I got 3 job offers at once. I have no explanation as to why. Crazy situation you’re in, but keep truckin. You got this.

New
m349830 OP Dec 18, 2019

Thanks

OpenDoor b99999 Dec 21, 2019

DM me as well

Deloitte cYrw60 Aug 7, 2021

How did things work out for you?