IB Lifers: is Capital Markets the way to go?

Interning at a BB in IBD this summer. Recently caught up with some alumni at a networking event who had spent some time in coverage banking before moving over to capital markets and they've gone from hating work/life to loving work/life, which has me thinking.

What is clear: capital markets has hours that are far more manageable (most groups out by 7-8pm; weekend work is rare), hours that are much more predictable, comp that is very nearly parallel to that of banking, and for the most part, faster promotion schedules.

What I'd like to know: Does anyone have perspectives on CM for a career in banking? Does comp compare to IB comp at the senior level too? Are banks in demand of experienced CM product bankers? Are you pigeonholed into your product forever? Are you stuck on the sell-side forever?

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