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The Harrison Rush/Fire Drill Weekly Wrap-Up
A Brief, Reliable, Rundown of the Investment Banking Recruiting Market.

The deal environment remains tricky and complex. Buyers and sellers are getting creative to close transactions. Mergers & Acquisitions reports that the primary sticking point is the gap in valuations:
🔗 Earnouts are picking up in mid-market M&A to bridge valuation gaps
Cautious optimism exists in the lateral recruiting market. Given current market dynamics, I’ve outlined some general tips below to help navigate the recruitment landscape:
Take the offer if you’re unemployed.
Securing a role in this environment is critical, and waiting for the “perfect” opportunity could result in prolonged downtime.If you’re on the cusp of promotion (e.g., in your final associate year), assess your runway.
Many banks are overstaffed in relation to their deal volume. If that’s the case at your current firm, it may make sense to move to another institution offering a guaranteed promotion.Stay put if your promotion path is clear and your position feels secure.
Stability and seniority in a known environment can outweigh the risks of moving in a volatile market.
Seizures, Courage & The 100 Week
Every few months, I hear terrible stories of bankers having seizures, panic attacks, or dying far too young. We cannot expect banks to make deep institutional changes. It is up to us as individuals to take responsibility for our own lives. Sometimes, the brave choice is to walk away. True courage is being honest with ourselves. There is nothing weak about not wanting to work over 100 hours a week. Believing in yourself enough to choose your own path is a sign of courage. Many people enter banking because they think it's what they want. I have heard hundreds of times, ‘I want to do 3 years in IB and then go to PE.” Thinking it's what you want and then realizing it’s not can be a tough realization. Don’t stay if you don’t enjoy it. Time is the only resource you spend without knowing your balance.
Check out the 10% Happier Podcast
Interfaith Ministry
In June, I completed my Interfaith Ministry program with All Faith Seminary International. Interfaith ministry involves training individuals to serve as ministers across different faith traditions. The program equips students with knowledge of various religions, along with skills in counseling, ritual, and ceremony, to support individuals and communities with diverse spiritual needs. I volunteer as a hospice worker and have an active music therapy practice. I am available to anyone who is seeking spiritual guidance or support.
Through this training, students gain the tools to support understanding, peace, and cooperation
among different faith and cultural groups, addressing universally human spiritual needs inclusively and compassionately.