Got any suggestions?
 

As some of you know, I'm in my late 20's and live in NYC. I had been an investment banker and then worked at an investment fund analyzing and recommending investments in 4 industries (Media, Wireless Telecom, Gaming and Lodging) where the fund collectively invested about $900 million or so of the $3.3 billion we managed.

Last Spring I resigned to take some time off, thinking that I'd take a few months off and then go back to work in finance during the Summer or right after Labor Day, probably at a venture capital firm or at an investment bank. Well, the recession and then the events of 9-11 have really impacted hard financial services hard so the job market sucks. Now I've got a dilemma.

I'm Bored! I used to work around 80 hours a week at the fund, which was down from about 90-105 hours per week as a banker. I'm used to having a great deal to do. I can't seem to fill all the hours of my day and would really like to go back to doing something intellectually challenging, stimulating and interesting. Since, my industry doesn't seem to be offering anything along those lines at the moment, I'm exploring other industries and segments and thinking about going back to school to get a MBA, which I didn't think I'd need (I was promoted to a VP several years ahead of my peers without one and didn't see the need for it).

I would like to hear any thoughts you have on careers I should look into. I am starting to go a bit stir crazy with too much time on my hands. Believe me, you can only spend so many hours in the gym, running, reading at the coffee shop, etc. per day and I've still got hours and hours left unfilled. So, let's hear all of your thoughts.

[ 01-22-2002: Message edited by: Miller ]

From what I have seen and with your background, you should move to the other side of the investment banking business. I mean you should be a consultant to companies looking to raise money and then take a cut of what they raise. There are tons of these guys, but few that can get a deal done.

I have a wonderful plan for a company that has the next generation of LoJack type theft recovery devices and can't get it financed. I probably don't know the right people and I defintly don't speak their lingo, but you do.

Email me if you want to start your new company by looking at this deal.

This device calls you, beeps you and emails you the instant the cars moves over 50 feet from where you parked it. Then go to a web site to see where your car is at that moment. LoJack does $100 million and only helps police find you car after (a) you notice it was stolen and (b) it hasn't been driven out of range from the local police.

This is product is built and Toyota wants to make it thier version of On Star. HELP!

[ 01-22-2002: Message edited by: Ron P ]

Ron,

That sounds like a pretty cool device. What kind of money are you looking to raise.

Miller,

Ron's idea is pretty good. If you are interested in some of what my older brother does, as we talked about, let me know and I can see if they are looking for additional people. I say bag the MBA, but that is me. I never did like skool much. :D :D :D

RonP, what you're describing is a private equity placement which is something that I have done for companies that completed more than 100 acquisitions with the money we raised. So, send me an email and let me see if I know the right people/funds that might want to look at your idea/technology.

Dan, I'd definetly be interested in what your brother is up to. Basically, I'm very open-minded to see what's out there and I always thinks it's a good idea to talk to whoever might have something to say.

Thanks and keep the ideas coming.

Dan,

We want to raise between 5 million and 25 million. The larger amount would allow the company to go after the aftersell market directly rather than through a partner. The unit should sell retail for about $400 from the dealer and will have a $9 monthly fee.

You can see where your car is at anytime on line.

Miller, check your email.

i hear man-whoring in fairly lucrative :D

don't make me he-*****-man-slap you!!!!

Puder, I may have to drive out to your house and kick you in the ASS! :D

THAT'S A HUGE *****!!!!

Duecei, Duecei, Duecei!!!!!!! You must have one hell of a man-gina!!!!

A what???

You know, a he-*****.........

Gee, thanks TJ.

Soooooooo, for $9 a month i can sit at my computer and watch my car drive away. hmmmmmmmmm? And if i am crazy enough, watch were they go, get into my wifes car and go find them. hmmmmmmmmmmmmm?

Or you could watch your wife when she goes out to see if she's cheating, and vice versa.
:eek: :eek: :eek:

That's a kick-azz idea Ron! I like the sound of it!
Iggy, ya that's what I was thinking about, too?

Ron, is it gps based, does it use cellular connectivity? Sounds awesome. Can it fit in a suitcase or be hidden. Hmmmmm...portable tracking device.... :cool:

hi miller,iam 41 own a car repair shop and all i can say is do what make you happy
:)

Miller,
A good friend of mine works for Deutsche Bank as an Investment Banker; however, they are having alot of lay offs. He was telling me that his industry is really struggling right now, which I am sure you already knew. Any thoughts on going back into fund managing or hooking up with a mutual fund company as an analyst/manager? You may have to begin your new career towards the bottom of the rung, but you never know.

If all else fails, let me know and I will get you a job with World Com. Being that I own a couple hundred shares, I am part owner of this company. :D :D :D If they won't give you a job, I will threaten to sell my shares, that should shake them up!! :D :D

Miller,

I think you should raise some capital to open your own chain of strip joints!

Maybe we'll call them..."Miller's Marvelous Melon Patch Saloons!" :D :D

[ 01-23-2002: Message edited by: DaveP ]

The system was built by a group of engineers that used all of their own money so far. The system uses a service called Aries Microburst to send the GPS info over the data band of cellular service. It feeds this to a computer server when it goes into alarm.

Here is a neat feature. Let's say you have an employee with a service truck. You can draw a circle on the web page map around the area that the truck is supposed to stay within. If it goes outside the circle (meaning unathorized travel) the system will notify you.

Yes, you can watch your car at anytime. Watch were your daughter spends her time if you like.

So for $400 and $9 a month, how many of you want one in your car or boat?

Just do what I do... Work 5 hours every early morning so you have all day to work on your boat stuff :D :D :D and ofcourse post on OSO for a few hours.. :D

Hey Miller,
How about starting your own Mutual Fund Company? Sounds right up your experience and desired challenge level. I develop software for fund accounting and know a fair amount about funds operation wise, be glad to answer questions.

As far as the MBA goes, I highly recommend it. It is a gruelling, but highly rewarding experience. Would be a good time to do it while you don't have a high stress job to deal with too. Even if you have advanced without it, you will learn things you didn't even know you didn't know. It will be a big plus career wise in your field.

I put in my vote for eth Miller's mellon patch saloon!!!

Ron that is frikkin cool!!! Need any help designing the website??? :D

..may I volunteer as the Melon-Tester?? :eek: :eek: :D

I have a similar system alrady installed in my boat-works well and has just been premiered at the NY boat show- You can see it at http://www.harborstore.com/

Anybody wants one, let me know :D ;)

would love to have a system to track my vehichles discreetly :eek: :eek:

Strip club, hummmmmm, where do I sign up... :D :D :D

Quote from Miller:I can't seem to fill all the hours of my day and would really like to go back to doing something intellectually challenging, stimulating and interesting.
Try to figure out what girls really want from life. It fits your criteria. Changing every minute. Never the same twice. No trace of reason. And Im sure every one of us would pay a hell of alot more than $400 Down and $9 per month to get a copy of your findings an updates. Good Luck

I say take a chance with something you are passionate. You have the means...
Your young and full of ideas and energy.
Best of luck, how do I help

If the PA school bus had the tracking system they would have been alerted the moment it left the city limits.

As it is, they found it 6 hrs later and 165 miles away.

I bet the parents would have liked to know were there kids went.

Miller,

There is an asset management firm here in Albany looking for portfolio managers. I don't know if Albany is intriguing at all but if I can help let me know. Best of luck.

Shane :cool:

RonP i was suprised to see the school bus story today myself. I had always thought that school buses had some sort of gps sensor that told where they were speed traveled and such. Will definitely make you think now when your children drive off in the bus every morning!

Miller,

If you are able to go back to school, I would go for your MBA degree. You need to make yourself more marketable.....set yourself apart from the the other investment bankers/financial planners. I especially feel this is even more important living in New York city as you do, versus other cities in the country! Best of luck to you.

Thanks guys. I'm still trying to see what course I'll go down next and will keep you posted.

As for the MBA, I studied Finance and International Business as an undergrad at Georgetown and studied International Finance and Business abroad at Oxford. My courses were similar (in some cases exactly the same) as the Georgetown MBA.

I don't really want to go back therefore and spend $100,000 and two years getting a degree that, while most likely helpful, won't exactly excite me nor differentiate from the mergers and acquisitions professionals and portfolio managers that are my peers. Plus, I was a VP and most likely will have to take a step back to the Associate level if I get a MBA and return to Wall Street.

But, if it makes sense and I get into a top school (another big if considering the low acceptance rates at the top schools), I'd go unless I got really excited about something else.

HOW ABOUT LAYING ON A NUDE HOT BEACH WATCHING CHICKS IN STRINGS WHILE GETTING A GREAT TAN :cool:

ofcourse you don't like my layed back lifestyle :D :D :eek: