HACKER Q&A
📣 throwaway-hft

Is it worth giving up WLB for money? Considering High Frequency Trading


Hey all,

I currently work at Facebook and got an offer from Citadel last week that is expiring Monday.

The offer is: 220k salary, 300k bonus, 50k sign on in NYC

My current TC is 275k in California. I have a great WLB and a lot of friends here -- is it worth considering doubling my TC and moving to NYC? I think the work at Citadel and having a higher caliber of coworker would be super interesting as well. I'm concerned from going from a nice WLB where I can enjoy my life to what I assume is 50+ hours a week. Has anyone worked in both FAANG and HFT?

YOE is 8


  👤 bradwood Accepted Answer ✓
First World problems are a bitch! :)

I haven't worked in a FAANG, but I've worked in wholesale finance for nearly 20 years, on both the buy- and sell-side.

You can expect a lot more regulatory constraint, slower moving innovation, much earlier starts, and an completely different work culture, I imagine, on the East Coast.

I'd stay in Cali if I were you...