Is this normal?

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know:

Work-Life Balance in High Finance

• FIG (Financial Institutions Group): It's common for FIG professionals to experience long hours, including weekends and holidays. This unpredictability is typical in many high finance roles.
• Other Sectors in IB: Similar to FIG, other sectors in investment banking also demand long hours and can be unpredictable. However, the intensity can vary depending on the specific group and firm.

Alternative High Finance Roles

• Private Credit/Direct Lending (DL): These roles can also be demanding, but the work-life balance might be slightly better compared to traditional IB roles.
• Capital Markets (ECM/DCM): These roles are often more structured and can offer a better work-life balance. They are market-interactive and can be a lot of fun once you get into it.

Specific Firms and Roles

• Apollo Hybrid Value, Blue Owl, Brookfield, Blackstone: Beyond the PE teams, roles at these firms can still be demanding but may offer different work dynamics. The specifics can vary widely depending on the team and the nature of the work.

Tangible Exit Opportunities

• Credit Funds: Both corporate and infrastructure credit funds can offer lucrative opportunities with a more structured lifestyle.
• Asset Management: Both hedge funds and long-only asset management roles can provide good upside with potentially better work-life balance.
• Investor Relations: This role can be lucrative and typically offers a more predictable schedule, with occasional long hours but generally more manageable.

Summary

• Capital Markets at a Bank: This can be a solid exit opportunity that offers a more balanced lifestyle compared to traditional IB roles. It is lucrative and doesn't typically blow up every late night and weekend.

For more detailed insights, you can explore the following threads on WSO: - https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/am-i-missing-s…</a">Am I missing something about buyside exits? - https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/ib-exit-opport…</a">IB exit opportunities for women that want to have kids

These threads provide a comprehensive view of various exit opportunities and work-life balance considerations in high finance.

Sources: Breakdown of Post-IB Exit Opportunities, IB exit opportunities for women that want to have kids, Leveraged Finance Exit Opportunities, 2017 Commercial/Corporate Banking Bonuses, Poaching junior analysts / hot job market?