Burnt out IB analyst feeling trapped
So the title is pretty self explanatory, but i’ve been in banking for over two years now and am reaching burn out. I’ve been pulling 3am nights since new years with very little breaks and am so tired. I’ve lost all sense of work life balance, gained weight, am too tired to exercise, and have even needed to see a doctor for stress/lack of sleep-related issues.
I am considering making the move away from banking. I am interested in private equity but am very skeptical about the hours and wlb. I’ve heard horror stories but have also heard there are some shops with very respectable hours.
I am feeling trapped because i want to make a thoughtful, informed decision before leaving banking.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated since I am feeling really lost
If what you've said is true and you've been working constant 3ams for 8 months, I would suggest prioritizing your health and start looking for a new role. Sounds like a sweatshop. I've been there before.
my issue is i’m not sure where to go from here. PE interests me but i’m uneasy about working these / very similar hours
From my observations, PE is not going to be a better lifestyle. With few exceptions, my PE clients work as much as or more than bankers.
only investment banking analysts have enough stockholm syndrome to say something like
yet only be considering a move away from banking
Recruit asap.
i'm interested in pe, but i'm a little nervous about the hours here too. have heard some horror stories on here with pe being worse than ib, so i've kind of been just pushing through in hopes of things getting betterbut i know something needs to change for sure hah
Either lateral to a group or firm you know has a better culture or explore buyside. I mean from what you’re saying it can only get better not worse. At the very least it’s worth speaking to people in your network (honestly if it’s a more personal connection even better) and get a candid assessment of what their day actually looks like. Also +1 the person below with regards to considering a week or 2 of vacation.
have you tried taking vacation time? i know it's not really banking culture to take vacation, but if your hours have been that bad for 8+ months, im sure your team would understand if you requested a couple weeks off. i would be honest in relaying that you're feeling burnt out and you need the time to recharge.
take the first week to do literally nothing except stuff that makes you feel good (e.g., sleeping, catching up with friends, working out, etc.) and then take the second week to do some thoughtful soul searching around what you want out of your next step.
if they react negatively to a request like this, i would simply put in my two weeks and just figure it out after leaving. a small gap in your resume is nothing to be worried about, and recruiters will generally understand if you tell them why you quit before landing your next gig
please start talking to friends and family and others in your network. Its not worth these severe impacts to your health and well-being. There are numerous other career paths in finance and investing that don't have to destroy your well-being. the hours you describe here for this length of time (months) is not the norm everywhere. really recommend you prioritize yourself here.
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