Is the lifestyle worth it? Incoming Analyst

Context: Incoming analyst at a MM firm (New York)

Question: For those who worked as an analyst/associate, was the lifestyle truly worth it? As I near graduation I can't help but question if throwing away my 20s is worth it, essentially foregoing a relationship, nights out, etc. 

I obviously know not all firms are sweatshops, however, I've heard from current employees I'll likely be working pretty long hours (70-80). Just looking for some advice from those who have gone through related experiences or had similar thoughts. 

6 Comments
 

No lol. There comes a time when you look around at your peers who went down “less prestigious” paths as this forum would describe it that now out earn you on every level. And by that I mean comp, but also out earn you on freedom, WLB, hobbies, family time, etc. Had a senior say if you chose any career you had an actual hobby in and applied the same time commitment you did for IB for 2-3 years you could succeed too. All that to say the career comps you well which is amazing and opens doors, but man it comes with a price. Many buddies are now in tech/sales crushing it while getting off at 4pm to coach their kids youth team.

 

100% agreed. Not worth it. Plenty of ways to make decent money these days.

The detriment to physical and metal health as well as deterioration of friendships, hobbies etc are just simply not worth it…

 

If you have family money, no.  If you don't and sacrificing a few years of your 20s will set you up to provide for your wife and kids in a way you otherwise couldn't, yes. 

There's too much negativity on here from kids in their early 20s who are doing something truly difficult for the first time in their lives.  It's legitimately difficult and requires a lot of sacrifice, but in the grand scheme of things, it's a a couple years of your life, sets you up for a high quality career for the rest of your life, and compensates you extremely well.  

 

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