The Old Fat One: I think you have it all wrong. It has nothing to do with my age and what I expect from it. I've been working there for 5 years, I'm not in a graduate position or a junior analyst, I'm a senior associate therefore I know how it works. I could see where my life was going and it was being dictated 100% by my career, I could almost predict what happened next in my life by looking at my bosses. I'm was on a fast track route, to be honest i am unbelievably good at what I do, however to be in my position you sacrifice a hell of a lot and its just going to get worse. In other words I know what I'm doing and your little speech is great advice for a graduate but not for someone in my position.
Maybe I'm having a quarter life crisis and need a break from work, I have no doubt that after a few months of soul searching, getting into the banking industry for me will be easy, but is it something I want to get into.
BA038: I graduated from Imperial in 2003 and got straight into Barclays through their graduate scheme. Thees schemes are great for development with in the firm, if you prove yourself, ie: work your butt off, take no holidays, and get involved in at least 3 projects at a go. You will be selected for a fast track route, which will basically give you a better choice on your career path. If you want to get rich quick any position in the sell side or front office will do, but its extremely risky as in job security.
Permafrost: The reason I have not taken the integrated route is basically taking things step by step is more appealing to me.
Thanks guys for all your help and advice.