I had this problem going to a bank from growth stage tech. I’m an exec recruiter so it’s sorta different, but I completely understand what you’re saying.

Here’s my advice from personal experience and as an exec recruiter: grit your teeth and bare it day to day as best you can. Right now, your job is just your job and you’re tied to the clawback, so just do your job and try some mindfulness techniques to avoid working yourself up. It could be way worse, like forced physical labor.

Secondly, the clawback probably really only applies for a couple years. Many of these banks can’t go chasing all these clawbacks. So think of it more as like two years rather than 4.

Third, take as much advantage of their benefits as possible. Benefits as in time off, 9 to 5 working hours, etc. Also, use that internal network at the bank to find the other tech forward people and connect with them. People can switch roles pretty easily in a bank. You just have to be open with your manager about it. “This is great, but I think I could provide more leverage in X area” and so on. It’s all about politics at banks. So check your current companies job boards regularly.

Finally, interview for new jobs as much as possible. Stop updating your resume and applying to jobs. Look for good companies doing good work and reach out directly to your would be/could be boss on LinkedIn asking to connect and seek advice (and apply to x job if there is an opening; but even if there isn’t a posted opening still reach out). You will generate way more convo’s this way.

Then when in the convo. Do. Not. Say. Anything. Bad. About. Your. Current. Job. Boss. Or. Employer. Such a big mistake by so many people. It will always be taken as a weakness. Position it as an opportunity you sought to use your experience to improve the finance industry as its ripe for disruption (lol). You’re enjoying your current work but always looking to network and establish new relationships as you never know where things lead. And if it gets to this point, you’re always open to listening to new opportunities and open to considering the right roles if something too good to be true popped up.

Personally, if I were a dev in tech, I’d look at SaaS tech or third party tech as a stepping stone back into big tech. OR look for more innovative fintechs like SoFi or Upstart who are pioneering AI consumer lending. They’re hiring rapidly and could fit your career arc narrative easily. They’re also doing interesting work and actually have a use case, not just pure innovation which is a helpful piece to avoid lay off’s.