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I anticipate that my CV may attract some derision on this site, so this is being written under the cloak of anonymity. I have many years experience as a sales trader and trader, but since leaving the market in 2005 have been working as a retail financial advisor and attempting unsuccessfully to find a new trading position. I would appreciate constructive comments about my CV and advice on how I... Read more

"I am looking for an equity analyst role, preferably on the buy side. This includes hedge funds, private equity houses and long only fund managers. I am willing to take a more junior role in order to build up my skillset within fundamental equity research. So far the response to my CV has been slower than hoped for with very few meaningful leads. Helpful feedback is very welcome." AUG... Read more

I have not been promoted this year so now I am technically a fourth year M&A analyst. Upon enquiry, I was told there was a general promotion freeze (if so, there were quite a few exceptions from what I see). They do not seem to plan on firing me (although you never know) but clearly there is a problem. So if I try to follow Plan B and apply elsewhere, what... Read more

In my experience it is quite possible to live on a moderate income. Here is how I, a not unsuccessful trader, achieve it - Holidays: It is not necessary to spend thousands on a luxury 5 star holiday in the Maldives or Dubai. There are credible non-trendy alternatives at fraction of the price. I am not recommending package holidays in Spain or self-catering hell at Butlins, I am suggesting reducing... Read more

After 30+ years plus in global custody and middle-office operations, it seems to me ageism is still rife in financial services. Over the years, I’ve dealt successfully with various employment agencies as an employer. However, when the boot is on the other foot and people of my age are looking for a job, it’s a different story. Positions are advertised on various job sites which I know for a fact I... Read more

In which Mr ABS lays his woes firmly at the door of the Government. Last week RBS announced it was letting 200 people go. Unlike other banks, it seems to have held on until the liquidity crisis got really bad before making serious redundancies. Citigroup and Lehman have had no such compunction – both have announced redundancies already and are sadly set to announce more in the weeks to come. Having been... Read more

An (anonymous female) contributor explains why there aren't more women in hedge funds. I don't have a finance background – I grew up in the country and started out as a trader bidding grain before moving into financial arbitrage. From there I went to Goldman Sachs and Bear Stearns as a prop trader before setting up with a colleague in 1998: it was incredibly difficult to get people to put money... Read more

Children and banking careers don't mix, according to one anonymous female banker. As the mother of two children I've had two periods of maternity leave in quick succession. In some ways it must have been a logistical nightmare finding cover – I was away for six months, back at work for nine or 10, and then away again for another six. Have I been unfairly treated as a result of taking time... Read more