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Most teams start looking seriously for associates around the 2–4 PQE range, when they need people who can independently handle some parts of the brief. At 1PQE, even with great experience, it’s tough to be slotted in because you're still being trained and Tier 1s prefer to do that with their own first-years.
I personally couldn’t shift at 1PQE either despite trying, but by the time I hit 2PQE, I had offers from 2 T1s. So, if possible, hang in there for another year. I understand financial pressures can’t be ignored, but if there’s even a slight chance you can hold off, it might make your options far better - both in terms of learning and compensation.
All the best!