In SS ER and always thought research was gonna be my gig, even had my 5 year plan laid out. Was gonna do 2.5 years on the SS and then jump to the BS doing LO covering the sector I'm currently doing. But as the months go by I've kinda become less and less interested in doing this as a job and more so as a passion/being in the loop on new developments to keep reading about. I'm about ~1 year into my position and already have plans on cutting my "Get Out" timeline to 1.5 years (basically leave after next years bonus season). Has anyone else thought about this? My personal goals have shifted from wanting to make bank to getting back into shape and traveling (one would suggest this is just "living life"). Is this the beginning of burnout talking or are these feelings valid?
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It sounds like you're experiencing a shift in priorities, which is completely valid and not uncommon in high-intensity careers like sell-side equity research (SS ER). Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice:
Reassess Your Goals and Priorities:
Many professionals in finance start with a clear career trajectory but find their personal goals evolving over time. It's not unusual to realize that the "prestige path" isn't as fulfilling as you once thought. Reflect on whether your current feelings stem from burnout or a genuine change in what you value. For example, prioritizing health, travel, and personal growth over career milestones is a valid and healthy shift.
Burnout vs. Realignment:
Burnout can often mimic a loss of interest in your job. If you're feeling physically or mentally drained, it might be worth taking a step back to evaluate whether you're truly disinterested in the work or just overwhelmed. As one WSO thread suggests, assess your life outside of work—social life, hobbies, health, and relationships. Sometimes, dissatisfaction in these areas can bleed into your professional life, making it hard to distinguish between burnout and a genuine desire for change.
Shorten Your Timeline Thoughtfully:
Cutting your "Get Out" timeline to 1.5 years is a reasonable plan, especially if you're aiming to leave after bonus season. However, ensure you're not making a rushed decision. Use the remaining time to build skills, strengthen your network, and clarify your next steps. As one WSO user put it, "If you're unhappy at work and it persists, find another job or something else to do. There are many paths to happiness and professional success."
Passion vs. Profession:
It's okay to enjoy your work more as a personal interest than a career. Many professionals find that their passion for a field doesn't necessarily align with the demands of doing it full-time. If you still enjoy staying in the loop on developments in your sector, consider roles that allow for a better work-life balance, such as moving to a buy-side role with a more relaxed culture, a family office, or even pursuing your interests as a side project.
Living Life:
Your desire to focus on health, travel, and "living life" is a sign that you're starting to prioritize what truly matters to you. As one WSO thread highlights, "This is your life, not the firm's life." It's important to strike a balance that aligns with your personal values and long-term happiness.
Ultimately, your feelings are valid, whether they're a result of burnout or a genuine shift in priorities. Take the time to reflect, plan your next steps, and remember that it's okay to pivot if your current path no longer aligns with your goals.
Sources: Handling Stress / Burnout in Private Equity, Quitting IB in 2023 - Burnout, Midlevel Burnout, Handling Stress / Burnout in Private Equity, Why are we Obsessed with "Work/Life Balance"?
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Sounds like you prob started last summer. Look, covering stocks can be grueling but it does improve as you get more reps and understand the space better. As you get more used to the job (and well clear of Q4 earnings), you’ll have more time. Maybe your analyst has you working crazy hours but generally I’d say it comes down to prioritization of your time. You probably have time to get in better shape but it requires transferring some of your non work time from Netflix to the gym and making healthier food choices. You’ll find there’s a virtuous circle there, you’ll have more energy, be in a better mood, and should be even more productive since you’ll be clear headed.
I burned out about 8 years into my career but there were a host of factors that led to it. Can you burn out in like a year? Probably. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, but respectfully if you can’t get through a couple years in sellside research then I’d steer clear of anything to do with stocks.
I really appreciate the honesty and feedback, I guess this is the hump in my research career where I've realized I just don't have the knack to do this as a career. I really do appreciate your thoughts on this.
Do you feel like you’re underperforming? It might be too early to say you don’t have the knack for it but if you’re miserable and don’t see a way to enjoying research then ya it’s probably not for you. Might also enjoy another sector more.
If it’s not the right fit then it’s not the right fit. But understand that you are also closing the door on the buyside for good. I’ve always been big on preserving option value so I’ve been tactical with my moves but you may be fine with shutting the door. Just good to think through broader implications first.
I wouldn't say I'm underperforming. I've been in the office a handful of times between 1-4am working with my analyst and I've always been the point person to either do something or start a process on something (trying not to give too much info to avoid doxing myself lol). I think me working this much and seeing how there really isn't going to be a change soon (along with my understanding of the SS/BS evolving as I'm actually in a seat vs just thinking about it) is a factor into my decision. I think something internally has just fundamentally shifted too. I'm not as money driven as I was in college. I still want to work hard but I've started to seek for more stability and a sense of pride in my work (i.e. working for something or an organization that I can see benefit people. college endowment or a hospital pension...). Idk if this is just my internal laziness coming out but my last jobs hours are starting to sound like a sweet deal (45 a week maximum). I really appreciate the response, it's kinda hard to find someone who relates to something like this.
I forgot to add but I've worked weekends (both Sat and Sun) for about a month now, and I'm always on call.
Initially you believed the job would define your professional path but eventually ended as a personal pursuit besides your interests. You have evolved beyond treating your work as mere employment while pursuing life balance through more freedom. Either emotional exhaustion or a change in your life goals could be the source of these feelings. No matter how your emotions develop about this situation your feelings are 100% genuine. It may be time to assess your true long-term goals among interests like extra personal time and traveling as well as potential new directions.
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