Let’s talk about it

So we all know IB is difficult, no one is questioning that. Long hours, unpredictable, stressful and the constant anxiety.

But why do you think it is so hard? Do you think it is because a lot of people who join aren’t used to working a lot for extended period of times? Is it boring work? The hierarchical culture? The inability for others to understand that you can’t spend much time together?

Yes working 9-2am for extended periods of time and everyone needs a break at some point. But why do you (industry professionals) find it so difficult? And for those that don’t I would love to hear how you successfully manage it all!

Not trying to cause an argument so plz don’t do that in this thread but rather curious of everyone’s thoughts and perspectives of what makes their job hard.

Cheers and happy Friday amigos

4 Comments
 

The work itself isnt incredibly hard, but when you are tired and you get a MD email labeled "pls fix" with 60 highlights, I tend to get frustrated with my job. The pay is higher than really any other career out of undergrad and if we can work to md then we can have a desirable field. Also, it is a quite easy lateral to any other career if we end up not wanting to stay in IB. I love live deals and I dont mind working long hours. If I have an asshole associate staffed, it gets shittier, vice versa. 

 

1. Its killing yourself for work that (many) do not find personally gratifying. Imagine working hard to only be told that you need to work harder and faster with not thank you and the only thing at the end is a piece of plexi glass and more work.  

2. Its never being able to plan around anything. One of our analyst took PTO on Saturday to go see a concert. - this is insane

3. IB is particularly inefficient - I would highly recommend going and reading more about burnout -  Hard work and long hours are not the primary cause of burnout believe it or not - but rather the feeling of lack of marginal gain from the hours - hence people get burnt out really fast

 

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