Can't take the workload anymore
I am a second-year analyst in the west coast at a non Q/GS/MS strong group and have been working ~100 hrs/week on average for the past a couple months. Sure, we are getting some mandates but the vast majority of pitches goes nowhere (of which more than half our group had no more chance of being selected than I win a lottery tomorrow).
This group is not a historically super toxic or sweaty one like GS TMT or HL RX LA. I feel no seniority nor am able to delegate my works (it takes much more time and I will probably get criticized for the delayed work). I am gonna quit on a serious note if I have to work all days again this weekend. Any thoughts on should I do it or how do I approach it?
Do you have an exit planned?
If you're on the verge of quitting it's time to call your staffer and say you are getting burnt out and need a few days off (ask for this weekend and 2-3 days next week). 100 hour average over several months is ridiculous for mostly being on pitches. I'm sure some responses will say to just tough it out but some point you need to prioritize your mental health, your group will survive without you over the weekend.
I took a half day off two weeks ago and ended up working more later. Any specifics on how to pull that off? I feel many things are easily said on this forum than to do it and some people even "bragged" they could work ~30hr a week without getting fired (not happening at any groups I personally know.)
A couple other analysts, just like me are browsing WSO & sports in the afternoon due to change of schedule and other non-sense reasons. Then the last-minute works always make us work all nights.
Agree that the stories of the 30 hour work week are way overblown on here, but you can call the staffer and say you physically need a break. Ask for weekend and 2-3 days off specifically, not just an open ended conversation or a half day. That makes your deal teams aware that you're not contributing anything until a given date.
As a second year you've earned some amount of seniority and are likely needed on the team. Taking a few days off is not that big of a deal if you're burnt out enough to quit
You definitely need more than half a day. People are just going to wait for you to get back so you can do the work if it’s only half a day. I would recommend 3 consecutive days minimum. I’ve taken 2-3 weeks vacation for each of the past 2 years and it helps tremendously. Take time off and don’t feel bad about it.
100 hour average is insane. Time to have a convo with staffer and if they are not understanding then you know what the deal is there. Worth giving them a shot to see what their response is. Prob best to not quit without anything lined up...I would have to imagine you can get a job elsewhere, but I know how tough that is with the type of hours you are doing. See what happens with the convo.
I get the feeling. I was grinded the last few months and I told the staffer I’m burnt and he took the gas off the pedal for a week to recover. Is the extra $5k bonus worth it? Probably not
Agree with all of the above. Unless you are quite literally a robot that can withstand working insane hours (which most sane people are not), approach your staffer and tell him you’d prefer a lighter workload while you take some time to recharge. No amount of money is worth deterioration of your mental health, and continued neglect of your well-being will only lead to more long term burnout issues.
As for leaving, you probably already know this but consider jobs that give you time during the week to focus on yourself - corporate development/strategy comes to mind. I have colleagues in Corp dev living much, much better lives than colleagues stuck working the same/if not longer hours in PE. Sure the pay might be slightly less but you don’t want to throw away your well-being solely for money.
I know someone who made a shit ton cause he went strategy at a start up and got some equity. Basically retired and doing passion projects/entrepreneurship (if that’s what you’d want to call it)
Qui laborum amet similique est blanditiis deleniti soluta. Iste velit inventore esse qui ab dolores modi. Ut ipsam voluptates sed quam reiciendis at tenetur officia. Eaque ut eos aut laboriosam quis architecto enim.
Est et similique omnis in qui. Et eligendi facere unde. Commodi non dolore ut corporis. Quia optio explicabo omnis est itaque fugit molestias. Nam tenetur reprehenderit in ad culpa et.
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...