Disciplined but sad / feeling burnt out
Hi guys,
I’m an experienced analyst who’s decent at my job. I’ve been doing this for a few years. From Monday to Friday, I basically optimize myself so that every action is geared toward being efficient/ the best investor I can. That includes both the intellectual / investing work, and the office politics work. I’m ok enough at both that the outcomes are good. However, at the same time, I feel burnt out every now and then because it feels like every screw in my head is focused on the same thing. I try to take vacation every now and then, and have 1-2 hobbies outside of work, but still feel the burnout/ strain some times. I’m curious if others have felt the same way before/ have any recommendations.
is this what it takes to become a successful analyst -> PM?
I’m not even there yet lol
Feeling burnt out despite being disciplined and efficient is a common experience in high-pressure roles like yours. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some actionable recommendations to help you manage burnout and regain balance:
1. Take Meaningful Breaks
2. Set Goals Beyond Work
3. Communicate and Manage Workload
4. Prioritize Physical and Mental Health
5. Diversify Your Focus
6. Reassess Your Values
7. Remember the Temporary Nature of the Job
Burnout is a signal that something needs to change. By implementing these strategies, you can create a more sustainable balance and rediscover your motivation. If the strain persists, it might be worth exploring roles with fewer hours or a different work culture.
Sources: Burnt out second year analyst wondering what to do, Analyst Burn Out Tips (Surviving COVID, WFH, and The Sweatiest of Shops), Analyst Burn Out Tips (Surviving COVID, WFH, and The Sweatiest of Shops)
happens and have been there.
for me, only thing that has worked is to travel, ideally flying to another city and staying the night to make sure I'm out of the house. forces me to break the usual routine and thought patterns, even if it's just for the day.
Do this as well sometimes, just took a staycation for a week as well, which helped to recharge the batteries.
Hi. Thanks for sharing this. May I ask - how many hours working do you average p/w?
Op here. I do about 70 hours per week. 7-7 week day, one day on weekends
My hours are pretty similar and I’d say that’s quite normal for the job. The burnout phases you’re describing are also very common. I’d focus on making your workflow during the week a bit more enjoyable and really using your day off to actively switch off
Decide if you want to do this for 3 years or 30. Then make choices that get you there.
sadness is the nature of discipline - the good life is mostly sadness with happiness and pleasure presenting themselves unannounced, sparsely, but more and more over time. and a deep peace underlying the rough day to day. like when you know you are set long term and the important things are taken care of.
pursuing pleasure brings happiness. surface level happiness. and a deep gnawing feeling that you're ignoring something and not meeting your potential. and a long term despair - "weeping, moaning, and gnashing of teeth" - when your chickens come home
take it from someone who tried both. being sad day to day and disciplined is how it should be, absent a 10-year bull market or you being some kind of brilliant tech founder or celebrity.
Great answer above, nothing to add. It'd also be great to hear what exactly goes into your process of being so disciplined that you said optimizes you to be the best investor possible.
I understand this for sure. I've mostly given up trying to disconnect since it's not really possible (you'll always be thinking about work to some degree) but I try to keep a few things in mind:
Ignore tag, been working for a while now, currently at a pod (less than 1Y). Think my sleep has taken a hit in terms of only 4 REM cycles a day, even when I'm in bed for longer the anxiety and thinking about my names keep me up/prevent me from falling asleep. My hours aren't too bad, but it's very hard to disconnect. Will a vacation help? Think will have one at EOY, but haven't talked about it.
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