Tbh I’m entirely burnt out right now. I like the work. It’s just too much of it.
is there any precedence of people taking 3-6 month sabbaticals in IB. I just turned VP and have been at my current bank for 2.5 years now so think there’s enough credit in bank.
| +183 | Evercore > Goldman and I don’t think it’s particularly close anymore | 65 | 6h |
| +157 | Article: Why UBS's Asian M&A bankers are thriving and UBS's American M&A bankers are not | 17 | 1d |
| +87 | UBS Offer Day | 30 | 1d |
| +86 | Santander IB? | 10 | 3d |
| +71 | I hate Wells Fargo | 19 | 1d |
| +67 | Think Twice before Recruiting for HOUSTON IB!! | 36 | 1h |
| +51 | No return offer - feeling like a failure is an understatement | 20 | 19h |
| +49 | How cooked am I as an incoming WF IB SA 2027? | 17 | 21h |
| +46 | WF Return offers | 28 | 2d |
| +40 | 2026 Investment Banking Return Offer Climate | 25 | 1d |
Career Resources
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
I haven't myself, but I have seen it done. Ultimately, it's not going to be welcomed with open arms (your MD would rather you didn't take a sabbatical than you did), but for your bank, it'll come to a decision between losing a VP and going through the costly process of hiring a new one (and taking a gamble on their fit and performance), which will likely take 6 months anyway, or just letting you go on a sabbatical.
Unless you're a disaster, I'd wager they'll let you do it, especially if you can articulate why it's meaningful for you, and if you have a good reputation.
I'd guess it'll affect your rating and bonus - realistically, end of year committees are difficult conversations, and you'll be a prime candidate for assinging a mid-bucket (or lower if you were already mid) ranking. But hey, we only get one shot at life, and some things are worth more than money :)
Honestly a lower bonus + even a year delay promotion to direction; I would have no problem with that. In fact it would be fair on their part
My colleague is doing this right now
What’s the reaction
Dolorem aut dicta ut cumque facere. Sint ea ea fugiat voluptas inventore.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...
Cupiditate voluptatibus et reiciendis dolorem ex. Illum ut ad quia corrupti repellendus. Placeat quidem consequatur aut maiores.