Anxiety as an M&A analyst
Hi all, first time posting this so lmk if somethings up. Have recently secured a summer analyst spot at a great boutique shop in M&A in the London office of a US-based firm. Have struggled with anxiety my whole life, but has intensified ever since I came to university. Got it under control during my 2nd year, am worried about a flare up during my time next summer. Anyone have advice, or have struggled with anxiety themselves as an analyst?? How can I ensure this won’t affect my ability to secure a return offer??
Please no BS advice or taking the p*ss, I exercise, I reframe my mindset, I’ve read all the self-help books.
I’m a girl if that’s relevant.
Honestly I struggle with this myself - I would suggest just taking it easy on yourself. You mentioned you exercise and you have read the self-help books. I think my advise will be stuff you already know at the surface level, but w.e. I post this for the broader support it may provide, because I suffered very hard from anxiety.
First of all, you are human you will make mistakes, be kind to yourself - mistakes are inveitable and this industry can be ruthless - the last person you need being hard and critical of you is yourself - the world is harsh enough.
Second workout to reduce stress (that helps). Period.
Third - Get some prespective. At the end of the day, it’s just a job and a job is a job… do your best, and be locked in at work, but remember that no matter how intense the deadline, it is not the end of the world. Step back, and appreciate the situation. And when you do that will enjoy the rush of the deal!! It can be very fun when you are fully present to the intensity that triggers your anxiety.
Fourth - Do not be outcome dependent - this is a long game - even if you fuck up this opportunity there will be many more, optimize for learning. Try to not stress about that return offer - being too outcome dependent vs. enjoying the process is what flares up my anxiety - in essence, you are worrying about something you inherently cannot control. That is a recipe for anxiety because no matter how much you do it won’t be enough. Reframe it such that a good experience is you learning a lot. I know you want the return offer, but true freedom from anxiety and the accompanying peace comes from freedom of outcome. Even if you do not get the offer, you will have solid experience to re-recruit. So chill, and get the most from the experience. God speed young one.
thank you for answering!! much appreciated
M&A analyst probably the most anxiogenic job in finance so take it easy on yourself
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