Keeping GF in IB

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Early months on the job are going to be the toughest. Not only because of the hours, but also because you likely won't be at your best (mentally, physically, etc). It gets better when you get over that hump though. You also have to decide what is worth sacrificing and what isn't. I realized pretty early on that if this job started to cause irreparable damage to my personal life I'd get out ASAP. Luckily hasn't happened so far. 

My practical advice is: take it one day at a time and try to spend as much time with your SO as possible. If there's ever a stretch where you get to spend absolutely no time with her, go for a small romantic gesture such as flowers and a handwritten note so that she doesn't start to feel insecure about the relationship. Also helps if she has stuff going on and doesn't need you 24/7. 

I personally don't see going into IB with a GF as a negative. Quite the opposite. Having my girlfriend's support was huge for my mental health over the first few months on the job. 

 

Definitely helps if gf also has a focus other than you. And depending on the depth of the relationship, it’s a great way to find out how understanding and substantial the “love” is.

 

Been on the desk for 8 months now at a BB while with my GF of over 1 year. WFH has made relationships soooo much easier to maintain

People always say shit about the hours on this forum but they don’t talk about the amount of time you just wait for comments, sometimes it’s hours. While at the office, this was annoying af, but times have changed. Just use that time to catch up and chill.

A lot of firms have protected Saturday’s too so you can always have one solid date night.

Once you get better at the job, you figure out how to get things done and prioritize other aspects of your life. Yes, this depends on the group and culture. But it’s all possible. And just some final advice, if the love is real and you put in a honest effort, it’ll be fine and she’ll understand.

Good luck

 

This question needs to stop. There’s absolutely no reason you should be forced to choose between your career and your significant other.

If you have someone who cares about you it won’t matter if you can’t go on dates during the week. Also, if you have a dinner with your gf planned just tell your team and someone will cover for you. It’s not a big deal I’ve done that before on several occasions

If you are up front with folks that your personal life does matter and you work hard nobody will ding you for that as a matter of fact they’ll respect you more as a human being

 

Second this. If she’s the right one she’ll be able to compromise / understand. It’s also not like you’ll never see her. Friday night, protected Saturday, and hopefully some/most sundays you’ll have time for something. Weeknights will be tough and if you both crash at your place odds are you’ll be occupied while she’s there and working while she’s asleep, but weekends much better. And it’s not a huge ask to tell your team you need 90 minutes to grab dinner and then you’ll continue working. 

 

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