WLB in sponsor direct lending?
Anyone doing 9 to 7 weekdays, 9 to 5 Friday, and no weekend work? Or is this not really ever the case even in PC?
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Based on the most helpful WSO content, it seems that work-life balance can vary greatly depending on the specific role and company. However, in the context provided, there are a few insights that might be helpful:
In Lower Middle Market Private Equity (LMM PE), the work-life balance seems to be quite reasonable. Weekends are mostly clear, with maybe 2-5 hours on Sundays to prepare for the week. However, when a deal is heating up, the intensity can increase.
In consulting vs IBD, the intensity is high during the 55-hour work weeks, with little time for breaks. However, weekends are generally free, and work typically ends around 4-6pm on Fridays.
In corporate development, the work-life balance seems to be quite good, with a 45-hour work week and 100% remote work.
In Private Equity, the work-life balance can be more unpredictable. However, some companies offer fully remote work on Mondays and Fridays, with very little weekend work.
Remember, these are just general observations and the actual work-life balance can vary greatly depending on the specific role and company. It's always a good idea to ask about work-life balance during the interview process to get a better understanding of what to expect.
Sources: Unpredictability of PE is Killing Me, best job for work life balance?, Actual work and down time of consulting vs IBD, Quick plug for LMM PE re: Work / Life Balance
Bump
Bump
I’m doing 9 to 11PM/1AM on weekdays with 5-20 hours on weekends
what type of firm?
I think what you’re describing is plausible for firms that focus primarily on first lien senior secured investing in sponsor-backed companies where it’s more rinse and repeat and homogenous transactions. Where you run into issues with W/L balance in private credit is either a) more complex transactions wherein underlying company may be non-sponsored and / or serious hair to the business; this is oftentimes also the case for private credit funds that do more junior capital investing or b) very lean deal teams and / or understaffed from a team perspective. Firms like BMO Sponsor lending, Madison, Twinbrook, NXT, etc. I’d imagine have similar hours to what you’ve described.
I don't know, how will you compete against your peers when they are working you under the table?
ridiculous question
bump
I worked across from a lot of sponsor direct lending teams. In general, if they were only looking at sponsor-backed deals at the senior secured level, they were basically radio silent on weekends from my perspective.
Different story for non-sponsor backed or opportunistic PC just given those are much hairier situations which required a lot more diligence.
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