Joining sweaty team?
I'm joining an EB FT this summer, and I'm deciding which groups to join. One team seems great, super interesting deals and plenty of execution, good exits too, but I was warned that it's a real sweatshop compared to other teams. Should I join? Is it worth it? Unsure of balancing work and staying sane.
The closer you are to the start of your career, the more exposure you want to everything. I am a huge advocate of taking care of your health, but there is a balance that you need to figure out here.
Then, as you progress, you figure out what you want more out of life.
Now there are probably places that are not sweaty but do volume; but I think sweaty early on gives you the most optionality in the future.
Obviously this is highly dependent on what you want to do. I had zero sweat for like the first 8 years of my career (started in back office) and I was insanely bored / needed to do a lot of extra work to be sharp/ create opportunities.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to consider:
Understand the Trade-Offs: Joining a sweatshop group often means long hours, high stress, and potential burnout. However, these groups can also offer unparalleled deal experience, strong technical skills, and excellent exit opportunities. If you're aiming for top-tier buyside roles or want to build a strong foundation in IB, this could be worth the sacrifice.
Mental and Physical Health: Many threads highlight the toll sweatshop groups can take on your mental and physical health. If you're already concerned about balancing work and staying sane, this is a red flag. Some analysts have shared that the environment "almost broke" them, and burnout is a real risk.
Culture and Support: A supportive team can make a huge difference. If the group has a reputation for being toxic or unsupportive, it might not be worth the trade-off, no matter how good the deals or exits are. Consider speaking to current or former analysts in the group to get a clearer picture.
Long-Term Goals: Reflect on your career priorities. If you're focused on maximizing learning and exit opportunities in the short term, the sweatshop group might align with your goals. However, if work-life balance and sustainability are more important, you might want to explore other teams.
Alternative Options: If other groups at the EB offer decent deal flow and exits with a better work-life balance, they might be a better fit. Remember, prestige and exit opps aren't everything—your happiness and health matter too.
Ultimately, weigh the pros and cons carefully. If you decide to join the sweatshop group, have a clear plan to manage your health and sanity—prioritize exercise, sleep, and setting boundaries where possible. If it feels like too much of a risk, don't hesitate to explore other teams or opportunities.
Sources: How Do You Deal With the BB Sweatshop Hours?, How the hell do you stay healthy in sweat shop groups?, Burnout. Is it worth it?, How the hell do you stay healthy in sweat shop groups?, EB’s are a fucking SWEATSHOP
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