Hey everyone,
I was actually on here about a year ago, just before taking off to travel for a bit. Now I’m back in the UK for good with no trips planned, just ready to focus, add value, and push toward real freedom. Figured I’d reintroduce myself properly this time since I’m here to stay.
I’m 22, studied Economics with Econometrics, finished uni last summer (2024). I worked 6 months at my current company, travelled for 6, and now I’m back in the same company as a business analyst - focused on increasing digital revenue to the company. I’m in a pretty unique and fortunate spot - basically an understudy to the Managing Director of a £25m revenue company. It’s not glamorous, and the company itself isn’t exactly exciting, but it’s still a solid place to learn. The MD has even said that maybe 10 years down the line, I could take over running it - must have been impressed by me over the 6 months prior to travelling.
At the same time, I’m applying for finance and data grad roles in London - the usual big firms, smart people, firm structure, etc. Most of these would start around September 2026.
So here’s my dilemma:
Do I stay where I am - learning directly from someone who’s been running a business for 20+ years, with a lot of autonomy and room to experiment?
Or do I head to London for the “graduate route,” surrounded by ambitious people, steep learning curves, and brand-name experience?
Money isn’t the main thing for me right now. I care more about development, leverage, and eventually building or owning something myself - I understand the equity ownership is how you get to freedom.
So, what would you do in my position? Which environment do you think is best for growth - staying hands-on and learning to run a business, or diving into the London grind for the experience and network? I am really torn between the two and have spoke to some peers about it (do not have any senior mentors in anyway, don't come from a family or network of high achievers).
I was actually on here about a year ago, just before taking off to travel for a bit. Now I’m back in the UK for good with no trips planned, just ready to focus, add value, and push toward real freedom. Figured I’d reintroduce myself properly this time since I’m here to stay.
I’m 22, studied Economics with Econometrics, finished uni last summer (2024). I worked 6 months at my current company, travelled for 6, and now I’m back in the same company as a business analyst - focused on increasing digital revenue to the company. I’m in a pretty unique and fortunate spot - basically an understudy to the Managing Director of a £25m revenue company. It’s not glamorous, and the company itself isn’t exactly exciting, but it’s still a solid place to learn. The MD has even said that maybe 10 years down the line, I could take over running it - must have been impressed by me over the 6 months prior to travelling.
At the same time, I’m applying for finance and data grad roles in London - the usual big firms, smart people, firm structure, etc. Most of these would start around September 2026.
So here’s my dilemma:
Do I stay where I am - learning directly from someone who’s been running a business for 20+ years, with a lot of autonomy and room to experiment?
Or do I head to London for the “graduate route,” surrounded by ambitious people, steep learning curves, and brand-name experience?
Money isn’t the main thing for me right now. I care more about development, leverage, and eventually building or owning something myself - I understand the equity ownership is how you get to freedom.
So, what would you do in my position? Which environment do you think is best for growth - staying hands-on and learning to run a business, or diving into the London grind for the experience and network? I am really torn between the two and have spoke to some peers about it (do not have any senior mentors in anyway, don't come from a family or network of high achievers).
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