I Quit My $100,000 London Banking Job After Learning 3 Things

I spent several years working in banking. Covid hit. Then I quit. Here's 3 major lessons I learned from my job in banking after spending all those years in London. I have great memories, made great friends and worked on some amazing projects. But in the end I had to quit and move forwards. Here's what I learned.
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I'm Matt, a senior product manager and property investor working Remotely for a VC-backed tech startup. I make videos about money, investing, tech and productively building a business.
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[@MattBrighton]

I filmed a 60 minute workshop showing my full journey of setting up the business and managing the first project. Check it out for free - wtfpropertyinvesting.com/free-property-course

[@christopherreid1202]

This is ok for some, but if you have a wife and 2 kids, a mortgage and a dog then the risk and reward might feel very different

[@JoBlakeLisbon]

@@christopherreid1202 There are men who take massive risks even with families - but sure you at least need a plan.

[@Aprilhojazz]

I did that when i was 38. I did feel free for a while. I was chasing my dream. 2years later i was once again back to 9-5. My dream fell through. It subsided. Now i don’t have a dream that i want to quit for. I do not regret quitting. My point is not everyone has a dream that’s strong enough for them to leave their jobs for. But if you do you should go for it.

[@Os_-tw4ot]

well said

[@jaywalkercrew4446]

Most are followers, others "pioneers."

[@JoBlakeLisbon]

The idea of a dream is dumb in my opinion. You need a plan for a more favourable situation.

[@kieraz10]

This is all fine jumping ship and taking a new path but for most people who work the day to day have families to support and a jump can cause unfortunate struggles on those around you. These situations are great when no one depends on you and you have the choice of freedom or someone to back you and support your path. In the end of the day we always need people to work the jobs others don’t want because we all depend on them in some aspects or another.

[@cryptorichierich1597]

This is why no one will remember your name

[@BillyBob-xw8kf]

@@cryptorichierich1597 hardly a reason to throw your family under the bus mate.

[@XDYURI53]

Bruv ur right these man are just leading most people astray…while they get into the influencer bubble. I’m leaving KZbin it’s full of these types

[@stuartdunc100]

@@XDYURI53 👋

[@electricbreeze]

@@cryptorichierich1597 Cool. So you're throwing out negative comments like that, whilst asking for donations on your channel of 17 followers. Big in the game right here!

[@phililpb]

"you dont owe your life to your employer" very true but unfortunately most employers think the opposite even to the point that they belive you should still do the work even after you have stopped being paid.

[@pistopit7142]

My passion is fishing and cycling. I hate any kind of regular work since I was 5 years old lol. I work only so I have enough money to maintain my low budget lifestyle. I was asked to be a manager recently but I did not took the offer. Instead, I bought extra 5 weeks of holiday on top of my standard holiday package (by salary sacrifice). No stress, enough time and money to do whatever I like. I am not ambitious, I don't feel the need to feel acomplished, I don't feel the need to be competitive, I don''t have any goals. All I want is peace and everyone else to leave me alone.

[@terryloker2585]

I can so relate to this . Ever since i learnt to surf 23 years ago thats all i've ever wanted to do . Everytime i'm at work and the surf is good i just look at that day as a total waste . Always wanted to be able to just go whenever i want and not have to worry about it or let anyone down .

[@joyce01320]

The stress every Sunday night 🥲🥲🥲

[@shivs888]

These are recurring thoughts for everyone in Big 4 accounting too. The politics, the hierarchy, the overwhelming dissatisfaction that comes with putting in 110% and getting a 3% pay rise - it’s all the same. Weirdly enough, I went into industry just to go back into the profession since I’d been very well conditioned to the high paced environment and found a less demanding job boring. Thank you nonetheless for your insight - your videos are exceptional and inspirational.

[@MattBrighton]

I see so much about the big 4 and know a few people in them. Cannot believe the hours they pull. Interesting that you went back!

[@samallen9312]

why would you work those hours at the big 4? time is so precious. the compensation for working till silly hours is pittence. i have no admiration for the people glorifying long hours. each to their own i supposed

[@manfromwuhan714]

Yh, you’re definitely doing something wrong if you’re progressing at a 3% pay raise. You either get fired or they promote you.

[@JoBlakeLisbon]

Insecure achievers. Fortunately I clocked this at Oxford and thought everyone was making dumb choices as all the rich people I'd met back home were trading scrap metal and hustling properties. I've worked independently for the last fifteen years since graduating.

[@yuewang4410]

this is inspiring Matt! I am from China but work in london now for a long time. I am DREAMING of getting a remote job that I can go back home from time to time to visit my family.

[@MattBrighton]

Async remote work is the way forward!

[@icharlie9812]

Really hit the nail on the head with this! As someone who has also made the jump from big firms to small startups, I have never been happier! The reward and quality of life improvements are well worth the risk. I feel like my work now has a real and immediate impact. Plus the ability to directly impact the value of my stake in the company is a real motivator to go above and beyond. One thing that I would also add is the added sense of teamwork / community you get at a small fledgling business. You all depend on each other to do the best you can and it makes real difference in the day to day / relationships you have with your colleagues.

[@SusheeNzeutem]

Awesome story! It took me 40 years to take the leap. So happy that you're doing it, Matt. 👏

[@MattBrighton]

Reaching the 'Sushee' level is a hard one to obtain, but very inspirational!

[@SusheeNzeutem]

@@MattBrighton you’re too kind. You’re killing it and making all the right moves. I’m excited to witness your journey 👍

[@d0x2f]

A passion for project management... well I'm glad the world has people like you because I couldn't do it!

[@dianamunteanu2243]

I think KZbin understands how I was feeling lately and promoted your video on my feed to watch it. Very inspirational! Thank you!

[@HafezBd]

About the current bank situation, I'm really concerned. I am worried about a lot more if a bank the size of SVB may fail. I have a friend who manages a fast-growing startup and was severely impacted by the bank run. I have taken more than $840k out of my bank. Since the FDIC only provides coverage up to $250K, an implosion could have negative consequences. presently want to invest in the stock market. Does anyone have any ideas on how I might proceed?

[@godof-ou1dw]

I advise you to seek professional advice because building a strong financial portfolio is more challenging. Your long-term objectives and budgetary preferences can be catered to in the ideas you get after that.

[@harod033]

The SVB scenario serves as a warning that Fed rate hikes are still having an effect even though the economy has so far held up. Investors should always be on the lookout for the next inevitable development. I'll suggest that you consult a financial consultant because you don't have to act on every projection. For some time, this has served as my fallback stance.

[@patrickperez7387]

@@harod033 Wow, that sounds great, but how can I contact your investment coach?

[@harod033]

@@patrickperez7387 My trustworthy advisor, Ruth Loralann Brennan, works for a fee only. She actually offers free consultations and always has the interests of her clients at heart. She and I have been colleagues ever since I turned 40. She is a busy woman, but if you can catch her attention, she might be able to help.

[@AustinReid09]

@@harod033 Ruth's webpage appeared as soon as I simply pasted her whole name into my browser. Thank you for saving me from completing a ton of laborious research.

[@mnesvat]

congrats on your decision Matt, I wish you the best and keep us updated with the videos.

[@RebeccaSigsworth]

Nice to see you doing well Matt! Didn’t realise you had ventured on the KZbin train, keep up the good work!😌

[@stevefrags3901]

I was made redundant at the end of last year. I got a job at a bank for less money, hated it. Then took a job cooking in a local cafe for three days. Hated it. Now just landed a sales retentions manager role working from home. I am going to need to step completely out of my comfort zone, as you said follow the path more unknown and terrifying. I have landed three jobs in less then 2 months. Feel like I'm doing something right, try and keep trying

[@16richardm]

Best of luck to you! Agree with a lot of this and have never stayed in a company longer than 4 years. If you’re in a technical role (I’m a data engineer) your skills are always in demand and can easily get more money elsewhere. I Personally think product management/owner roles are a bit fluffy so don’t think that helped your situation either. I’m currently saving to start a business on the side too, so wish you all the best it making it a success

[@johnmagee2245]

Ive worked at the same company for 15 years, it has created a fear of leaving, im happy there and the day goes quickly. Its a decent job but i will never be rich. As soon as you have kids and they are provided for it gets harder and harder to seek other opportunities.

[@tonysmcneill]

Yep - chartered accountant here and I resonate with all of this and as a result have started the ball rolling to set up my own KZbin channel. Watch this space…

[@cbrockett6736]

Exactly the same as yourself Tony. I’m quite unsatisfied with the industry and I’m looking to start doing things for myself. I’ve even got to the point where I’d take a drop in pay to get something more rewarding and worthwhile. It definitely won’t be easy but it’s worth trying!

[@PapaSeed]

@@cbrockett6736true happiness comes from God

[@ThatsnotwhereIparkedmycar]

Thanks for your insights, Matt. It's great to hear that you bet on yourself! I've just quit my job working as a solutions specialist for a tech reseller in Manchester (commission-based role) Average earning over the last 3 years was £115,000 per annum I've just sold my house in south Manchester & made over £100K profit Now I'm in a converted campervan, traveling Europe & trading commodities, crypto, and stocks in remote areas using Starlink! It's the best decision i've ever made and I whilst the market is down, investing with a good risk/reward ratio could change my life forever. I'll be on KZbin documenting my adventures/journey in the next 6 months!

[@sanjayraja7639]

Sounds great👍

[@Jack-l8d7s]

@@sanjayraja7639sounds made up

[@davidrynberk1533]

If I may sum it up...when you live in unhappy comfort because its just for the check, its time to re-think your life.I am taking time off for this reason..happy discomfort is better than continued 12 hr days!! talk about insanity...thanks for video Matt

[@i-hsiuchiang8569]

I'm planning to get to the income ceiling within around 5~7 years, retain that amount of salary, save a bit and then slowly begin my businesses. I'm currently exploring different types of businesses that I am interested in which hopefully work in the future...

[@TavernMasterAndy]

You often find theres three types in corporate banking. The lifer (40 years and a prayers for a brown paper envelope to release them from servitude) The background inept (a horde of the mediocre who are content to not be fired, aspire to be a lifer) and The Aspirational (do 2-5 years at a top tier and realise the death or retirement promotion scheme is not the path for them and leave for various other roles, pay or projects externally).

[@Qlair2632]

I don’t think many people do 9-5 in banking in London (speaking from experience) but I agree with his decision!

[@MattBrighton]

Depends on what type of banking - big industry

[@thehuntforprofit8663]

Good on you mate! So glad you found your passion.

[@jj-bu6yb]

Beautiful video! I do not know yet which business I will open but I know I will have one. Just got my first corporate job

[@dac8939]

86k is still nothing in London after tax and mortgage or rental Bills. You need 150k or more for decent life. Was actuary and hated it. Learned trading and took me 2 years to get profitable. After learning my own system I finally could replace my income. Now can trade anywhere in world. However, 98% of people lose money

[@TheMash84]

Imagine people living with a 30K-40K salary or slightly less... I don't think you need 150k for a decent life. It depends how you manage your finances and how you spend your money. Well, if your goal is to live like a sultan, even 300K isn't that much, just saying. I've really seen in London so many people really not knowing the value of money, just wasting them because they could. I'd say, different viewpoint and different life experiences.

[@dac8939]

@@TheMash84 real estate in London automatically reduces your net monthly salary that you can spend on leisure. Living in London, New York, Hongkong, Tokyo etc means you need significantly more than rest of that nation. These are consistently in top 5 or so most expensive cities in world.

[@wild4fp]

I don't think you need 150k in London. I don't live there but i know others who do and don't earn no where near that much and survive. Its relative. Move to ther north if your struggling on 86k. That would be 150k here due cheaper house cost, freerer way of living, open countryside, hills, cities et al...

[@dac8939]

@@wild4fp London is good to make money. Cities in the North like York, etc are nice but best moving to when made wealth

[@wild4fp]

@@dac8939 make money. Work in London but still buy a home in the North. Rent it or use it onn holidays. Ifnyou make they much money, make it work for you. But you need to enjoy today, your youth.

[@g.p616]

Great Vid, Thanks for sharing Matt!

[@Carpedeliam]

Good luck with this venture, just about to call it a day on my job and nice to see content like this

[@expatwealthasia8702]

Great video. Can totally relate to this. Thank you 🙏

[@seku_rai]

Great videos, thank you. One thing that is very distracting is the camera's zooming effect for anyone watching, not only listening. Keep doing a great job!

[@Kerbaeus]

In this climate, that's really brave of you. I admire you.

[@ADP-Hypnotherapy]

Excellent video - Thank you x

[@Thecaptainblackadder]

On a side note - salaries in London are notoriously low. Partly because of falling pound but not fully explained. Wonder why.

[@Mogamishu]

Matt, can you also do some videos on how to navigate the brutal and highly competitive UK dating market?

[@MattBrighton]

What happened to the good old fashioned ways?!

[@sarina5352]

@@MattBrighton lost mate 😂I love the way in old times people used to meet each other be it in religious places, events or somewhere nice. 🙄😏

[@davida.southern8308]

@@sarina5352 try moving to Asia instead

[@avi4francis]

@@davida.southern8308 Asian here, it has caught on to the West.

[@MartinVanDerSande]

Really good video and thanks for making it and sharing your experience. I've been there too. I invested young, into property, and so was tied down into paying back those loans. The commute, work, sleep pattern is definitely familiar and yes, I think back now and knew I was trapped too. However, after a year of being unwell, I vowed that after that I would start again and somehow managed to build a business. It was hard, but with the return of my early investments and I suppose belief and luck, all worked out. I do feel though that sometimes you gotta suffer for good things to happen. It's easy to say in hindsight, but I do agree with your message in this video. Cheers

[@cameronalexander7383]

Great video mate 😊

[@kayflip2233]

Agree that the PMO / generalist / sales type people are the ones that get the big promotions and salary increases. Meanwhile the technical SMEs have to job hop to get a better increase even though the technical skills are more valuable.

[@GeorgeAusters]

Working for an employer again, genuinely makes me feel sick

[@funnybones6131]

Gold dust content 👌🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@LawrenceTimme]

Do 12 hour night shifts in a steel mill. You won't need to go to the gym after work and 9-5 will feel like a walk in the park 😄 if you really want to push yourself work in a foundry during summer. That is properly hard work and I have massive respect for people who can do that for a few years.

[@deusvultpictures6550]

Ah the suffering olympics

[@LawrenceTimme]

@@deusvultpictures6550 it's not suffering. That's the point. It's just a job. It's hard work but it's not suffering.

[@begood6011]

Do they earn £86k a year doing it though?

[@LawrenceTimme]

@@begood6011 no, even with ot I doubt you'd reach 86k.

[@honourlulu5562]

@@deusvultpictures6550😂😂💯💯

[@littleghughu1577]

Good Luck Matt 👍👍👍 Freedom is always priceless

[@MattBrighton]

Thanks!

[@DF-dd5nf]

I love your videos. Thanks for your advice

[@michaelairley2015]

Working 9-5. Wow. Poor you.

[@Desiqnify]

I'm trying different side hustles, but I feel it's too risky to just quit the 9-5 job.

[@thepowerlies]

Not many will have the luxury of that choice in the first place

[@ajjoshi]

Big respect mate

[@SimpTechMedia4D]

Love the line of true freedom, it's a Simon Sinek special.

[@whatleytom]

Working for one of the big banks is the error. Smaller banks far more interesting, challenging, rewarding.

[@LawrenceTimme]

Yes the smaller companies can be much better.

[@ramjuldangin7755]

Your an inspiration

[@stalksey]

2:09 “The road less travelled”

[@nelsonnsofor3184]

Great video!!!

[@grimm4]

Working remotely should just be a given now for office jobs. It provides so many quality of life positives. It's very frustrating that the dinosaurs want to hold on to the 9-5 office slog.

[@Plaganomica]

I also work in a bank want to end up doing like you loool.

[@Potter_Mischief]

I’m one in how dunno how many comments but I’m in London and I do love your input in the videos. But your videos have helped be but I would like to invite you to talk over a pint if you I up for it😂 I would like to get your advice on my current situation.

[@jimsully9851]

Inspiring stuff!

[@colinevewright]

sounds like the employer/managers/culture/values were mainly the issue

[@ernestboateng3954]

Too much work is painful, too much freedom is painful. I would rather choose too much work.

[@jimbojimbo6873]

Guessing this wasn’t IB if you start on 28k

[@Chris_UES]

in my 20s and 30s I didn’t feel like I had enough life experience to give this sort of advice… apparently things have changed … the reason you have these options is bc you worked hard on your education and early career, that’s not everyone mate.

[@erikkorenjak9737]

And who's gonna pay for the food and house

[@lobz]

Best place to find fully remote jobs?

[@pff2893]

How old were you when you joined and left?

[@noorlancer]

Finance is supposed to be temporary. Work hard

[@whyallareunavailable]

U should be feel lucky that u were working 9 to 5 but not 8 to 10

[@MattBrighton]

Could definitely have been more demanding!

[@Premier_lawns_official]

I couldn't go back to working for someone else now. No way at all. It's my choice now to knock in 60 hours a week! haha

[@MattBrighton]

Nice surprise to see you here Robbie! I'm in the process of buying a new home that has artificial grass. Will be ripping it straight up and following your tips to get a nice new (proper) lawn!

[@Premier_lawns_official]

@@MattBrighton I have been following you for a while now 🙂 Once you lift the plastic stuff, it if has been installed properly there will be a load of hardcore under it, that will also have to go in the skip as it will cause issues with the new lawn and stop it from draining

[@MattBrighton]

oh - didn't think about that but very good point! Here's me hoping it isn't installed correctly. You'll see a video on it at some point!

[@iankelly781]

Bloody hell the working class struggle , living in London would be bad enough never mind if I was on 85k a year

[@diegopinotti]

After you understand that can make more money with less stress on KZbin!

[@MattBrighton]

KZbin comes with its own unique stresses 😂

[@diegopinotti]

@@MattBrighton I understand mate, have to deal with everyone who leaves a comment and post periodically to keep your audience, not easy at all!!

[@GhanYt]

When he said, "Whether I'm right or wrong, whether the market goes up and down, it doesn't matter. I'm good regardless," I couldn't comprehend it. People are suffering significant financial losses right now. Personally, I've been investing in stocks since the beginning of the year, but my situation hasn't improved. Meanwhile, I've come across articles about individuals still profiting over $350,000 in just a few months in the same market. It's a challenging environment!

[@bahijarhafiri]

I completely agree! I reached out to a Financial Analyst because it's easy to jump into popular stocks these days, but the real challenge is knowing when to buy or sell. That's where my advisor comes in, helping me determine entry and exit points in the industries I'm involved in. I've managed to generate a 60% profit in just five months, starting with my initial capital of $160,000.

[@bahijarhafiri]

Certainly. ROCH DUNGCA-SCHREIBER* is my advisor and a well-respected figure in her field. I got acquainted with her through my wife. Although my wife has her contact number, you can also verify her credentials and reach out to her directly.

[@Positivelifeacademy]

I quit 2 very stable Jobs so Far

[@XDYURI53]

Why?

[@Michelle_Sanders561]

Are true is this ?

[@BEAUTIFULDIANAFRANCIS]

More and more people might face a tough time in retirement. Low-paying jobs, inflation, and high rents make it hard to save. Now, middle-class Americans find it tough to own a home too, leaving them without a place to retire without any investment. Retirement becomes truly fulfilling when you possess two essential elements: financial resources and a meaningful purpose in life. Make prudent investment choices to secure good returns and ensure a comfortable retirement and also you may need Cynthia McClure Alexander's guideline

[@jetraw9473]

Most people are better off with benefits in this country

[@peternorman4604]

The piano is too loud.

[@futurebrilliantteam8851]

Great advice if you have lived through exactly the same work experience. Probably terrible advice if you have not.

[@zyygis]

You probably got fired, because banking sector in london is imploding due to brexit.

[@jommydavi2197]

AI will replace all of our jobs anyways so make money while you can.

[@TheExpirimented]

lol 9-5 sounds like a dream

[@sugarly69]

3 things: brexit, brexit, brexit

[@miscool]

I’m a paramedic so…

[@icecream6680]

the repetitive routine ... it kills me i feel like im losing valuable time

[@seansean7653]

Is only work when you have that KZbin money.

[@basedpatriotLT]

Office is more productive, not less productive. Most people slack working from home. Not to mention weaker interpersonal communications between colleagues

[@honourlulu5562]

Myopic view

[@basedpatriotLT]

@@honourlulu5562 Wrong. Corporations would not demand workers come back to office if the workers did same or better job at home (not even mentioning corporations saving on office rent payments)

[@ReeRee_Donita]

Nah. Too much petulance in the workplace by “adults”. I’m good.

[@sunnysparkles4729]

Get a dog.

[@millsstrongfightstrengthco662]

How did you blag the interview if you didn't want the job, FFS I want the Job and they choose candidates like you. Someone in The HR team needs to be fired.

[@billcaan4192]

Generation of quitters and "oh my mental health"

[@igor379]

You must not have been working in a good field. 80k gbp is a starter at a good bank in London lol

[@leinsterfan1802]

Definitely back office 😂

[@LesterJr]

So millennial...

[@crazyhead1588]

Bruh this exact same thing happened to me I swear 😂I was in reading doing internal auditing wake up go work go gym then sleep oh yeah and smoke that green you know which woke me up actually after 3 months I called it quit I rather go live in a small hut in a country side then go back to that life ever again