Does anyone else find it very difficult to take vacations in ER?
It feels like we've always got to be prepping for something. If we're not amidst earnings for our coverage, there's earnings for another read-x sector/geography or we're doing pre-close calls with companies and need to write previews or there's CMD season and we need to preview that. If it's not that, we're expected to initiate on new stocks. If it's not that, the world is blowing up or M&A/IPO is coming down the pipes and you need to write about it. If it's not that, your MD is on holiday so you can't leave the desk. If it's not that, management needs their maintenance research.
If it's not that, your friends dates don't line up anyway so there's no point in taking the break - this is generally the killer. It's probably easier for people with partners.
Then if the stars align and you finally do take the break, the lead-up is brutal, all your "deadlines" get pushed forward. It feels like you're being punished for taking the vacation.
It genuinely feels like there's never a good time (and this has gotten worse obviously since I got lead coverage) and when there is, everyone on my small team is scrambling for it.
Anyone else relate?
Based on the most relatable WSO threads, your experience resonates with many professionals in high-pressure finance roles, including Equity Research (ER). The constant cycle of earnings, previews, M&A activity, and other responsibilities makes it incredibly challenging to carve out time for vacations. The added pressure of lead coverage and small team dynamics only amplifies the difficulty.
A similar sentiment is echoed in Private Equity, where even small breaks or dinners feel like a luxury due to the relentless workload. The "punishment" of pre-vacation workload buildup and the guilt of leaving your team behind are common struggles across the industry.
While there's no perfect solution, some professionals suggest: 1. Strategic Planning: Coordinate with your team well in advance to align schedules and minimize disruptions. 2. Clear Communication: Set boundaries and communicate your availability during vacations (if any). 3. Leverage Team Support: Delegate tasks where possible and ensure coverage plans are in place. 4. Advocate for Change: While difficult, fostering a culture that respects time off can make a difference over time.
You're not alone in this struggle, and many in the industry are pushing for better work-life balance.
Sources: Handling Stress / Burnout in Private Equity, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/equity-research/qa-er-analyst-at-top-bb-plus-about-er-general-advice?customgpt=1, Q&A: ER Analyst at Top BB (Plus About ER & General Advice)
Yea, absolutely relate. I feel like I've found the first few weeks of a quarter (so first 2 weeks of July, first 2 weeks of Oct, etc.) to be decent timing because companies are in quiet period and we usually have our preview out or near complete by then. IPOs do throw a wrench in it sometimes depending on their timing. Not sure how your earnings are spaced out, but we generally have a bulk of them in a 2-3 week period, and then a few stragglers occurring later on, so can always grab a few days off here and there. I've also found just taking a Monday / Tuesday off for a long weekend once in a while relaxing. Obviously can't really do meaningful trips or anything, but it's more so like a stay-cation.
Yeah a big issue is that my earnings are very awkward. Some of my companies do pre-closes pre QTR end and then go into quiet period from beginning of next Q. Others don't their pre closes until 2-4 weeks post Q end. And then the earnings themselves are annoyingly spaced. So there's often not a great time.
Yeah I know you can do these micro holidays, and that kinda works in London (where I am) cos you can hop to Europe, but it feels so lacklustre. Barely restful.
But I suppose that's the game really
Ah shit (I start in a few weeks)
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