I wanted to get the perspectives of other 1st years and even those with more experience. I am having a terrible experience so far. I'm not sure if it is just me. I'll even break down after work.
I am hoping that I can make it to the holiday season, things will slow down and it will improve going into the spring with a bonus around the corner. Is that a realistic expectation?
If I decide I cannot stay long-term how do I best manage the 1-2 years?
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Explain, what about it is bad? People, work, hours, culture, combination of it all?
People: everyone I work with is overburdened leaving them no time at all to help or direct. It seems that we're all spinning our wheels, sometimes late in the night. We are working late nights but still putting out bad work.
Hours: Terrible hours. How do we manage if we are overstaffed
Are all groups like this or is it just mine? More curious to hear about other people's experiences
I’m not trying to be rude or blunt, but it’s IB, what did you expect? Im sure upperclassmen or people you networked in the process told you about how hard IB is and to be sure you wanted to do it. Long hours, lots of responsibility, and figuring out what to do yourself is the ABCs of IB, and that’s what you signed up for when recruiting. With that being said, what you’re going through is very normal in the industry, it’s not just your team. Unfortunately, I don’t have much advice except you have to push through the steep learning curve, and it will get better. If not, you can leave - TONS of people leave before 2 years (in my case about half of my class did), and you will still be fine career wise. Don’t think far in the future and take it day by day and remember your health and satisfaction is much more important than the job. However I would try to stick it out to ride out the current recession, but whatever your next role is, make sure it’s one that you can stomach doing for at least a few years if not longer (so in your case make sure it has decent WLB) because it doesn’t look good to leave multiple companies in less than a year or two tenure at each.
Oh, I hear you! The first year can be a real rollercoaster. But remember, even the wildest rides have their calm moments.
As for your expectations about the holiday season, it's not unrealistic. Things often do slow down around that time, and it can be a good opportunity to recharge and refocus. Plus, the prospect of a bonus can certainly add a little spring to your step!
If you're considering not staying long-term, here are a few tips to manage the next 1-2 years:
Always run towards a new job, not away from your current one. This mindset can help you stay positive and focused on your future goals, rather than dwelling on the negatives of your current situation.
Take care of your mental health. If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's okay to take a step back and recharge. Remember, you're not a machine, you're a monkey... I mean, a human!
Don't be afraid to communicate with your supervisors about your workload. If they tell you to go home, do it. There's nothing to be gained by overworking yourself to the point of burnout.
Keep your eyes on the prize. Remember why you're doing this and what you're working towards. Whether it's a specific career goal, financial stability, or something else, use that as your motivation to keep going.
Finally, don't rush your exit. Make sure you have your next job lined up before you leave. The last thing you want is to jump out of the frying pan and into the fire.
Remember, you're not alone in this. Many have walked this path before you and many will walk it after. You've got this!
Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/how-soon-can-i-leave-1st-year-ib-analyst?customgpt=1, Year 1 in consulting - tips, tricks, advice, and unspoken rules., https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/leave-pe-early-or-stick-it-out-2-years?customgpt=1
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