Feels like I forget everything

Hi all, just wanted to check with this forum whether anyone has experienced anything similar to what I'm going through.

Been doing this job for about 2 years or so, I am at an extremely sweaty team (constant 9.30-3am+ on average with no down periods). I always heard stuff like "this job makes people dumber" but I really feel like it's affecting me a lot. I feel like I see and learn so many things (have a massive amount of live deal exposure) but what I remember is a very very tiny portion of that and constantly need to refresh everything. I just feel like I'm losing my mind and am also becoming extremely forgetful on the day to day. I don't remember episodes / things that happened or that I was told, while I used to remember every little detail about every conversation. This obviously also affects my conversional skills which have arguably gotten worse since I started this job. I really have become unable to listen to a story longer than 2 minutes, it's pretty terrible.

Has anyone gone through anything like this and was able to get better after changing lifestyle / sleeping more? I also wonder how I could do this as a senior even If wanted, every director / MD seems to remember details about every situation. Does it get better?

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Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and suggestions that might help you:

Common Experiences and Solutions:

  1. Burnout and Forgetfulness:

    • Many professionals in high-stress finance roles experience burnout, which can lead to forgetfulness and cognitive decline. It's not uncommon to feel like you're losing your mind due to the intense workload and lack of rest.
  2. Lifestyle Changes:

    • Sleep: Prioritize sleep. Lack of sleep is a significant factor in cognitive decline and memory issues. Aim for consistent, quality sleep.
    • Diet and Exercise: Maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise routine. These can significantly impact your mental clarity and overall well-being.
    • Meditation: Consider incorporating meditation into your daily routine. Apps like Headspace can help improve focus and reduce stress.
  3. Work-Life Balance:

    • Reduced Hours: Some professionals have found relief by moving to roles with fewer hours and less pressure. This can lead to improved mental health and better memory retention.
    • Hobbies and Interests: Engage in activities outside of work to give your mind a break and help it recover.
  4. Professional Help:

    • Therapy and Counseling: Speaking to a mental health professional can provide strategies to manage stress and improve cognitive function.
    • Medication: In some cases, medication prescribed by a GP can help manage symptoms of anxiety and depression, which might be contributing to your forgetfulness.

Practical Tips:

  • Note-Taking: Develop a habit of taking detailed notes during meetings and conversations. This can help you remember important details and reduce the cognitive load.
  • Breaks: Take regular breaks throughout the day to rest your mind. Short, frequent breaks can improve focus and productivity.
  • Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness techniques to stay present and improve your listening skills.

Long-Term Perspective:

  • Career Path: Consider the long-term sustainability of your current role. If the high-stress environment is taking a toll on your health, it might be worth exploring other opportunities within finance that offer a better work-life balance.
  • Senior Roles: While it may seem that directors and MDs remember every detail, they often rely on their teams and systems to manage information. Developing strong organizational skills and leveraging technology can help you manage information more effectively as you advance in your career.

If you need more personalized advice or want to discuss your situation further, feel free to reach out to the community or seek professional guidance.

Sources: Response to 'PE Associate Jumps to Death' -> Resources and Tips for those who may be struggling, Feels like every facet of my life has fallen apart this year, COVID-19 and 2020 Summer, How Many of You Are Actually Happy?, Who wants a better life? I want to help.

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

I struggle with this a lot too and feel like it gets worse every month. Would love to hear advice from others as well.

The only action I have taken for this so far is I use OneNote for each of my deals and keep a running doc with important notes. That way before I have a meeting I can quickly refresh myself. I don't think this is very efficient because it is time-intensive to log all this info from various emails / PPTs, etc. Find myself not staying very disciplined with it when I am getting crushed the last thing I want to do at 2am is jot down notes - but it has helped me when I have the time/energy for it. 

 
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Guys, been writing this somewhere else already — make sure to do regular blood checks. 

Sounds like vitamin deficiency (D, perhaps B) and people underestimate how much this f*cks up your mental abilities.   Unfortunately, this is very common during first 3-6y in IB. Had it several times as well… good news: this can be fixed quickly via supplements. Talk to your GP.

 

This. Also "get better sleep" and "eat better" can be challenging in IB, but there are parts you can control. No dicking around on your phone for an hour when you get home, try and minimize the 3am weekend nights, and if you get home at 10/11, just take a melatonin and go to bed. Same with food - get salads/bowls more, if you can prep 3 lunches for the week making one big batch veggie-heavy meal on Sunday even better.

 

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