Losing my personality in Banking

Been in the industry for four years and have felt that my personality has changed pretty notably since starting in banking (capital markets) and was wondering whether that's a common thing. I feel that I've become so conscious of time (even on the weekends/when there's no work) and have just gone out a lot less/more introverted as I'm always so mentally drained. 

Is this a sign that I should be exiting banking soon or that this is not the right long-term fit?

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Feel this majorly. Been in M&A for 5 years and feel completely empty lately. Barely remember how to be social or hold a meaningful conversation, not to mention the health impacts that will likely last me the rest of my life. Just here to vent. 

I think the job does change you, but some people are certainly better suited to have it impact them less / compartmentalize it. Personally, I’ve taken the way I’ve been feeling lately as a sign that the juice may not be worth the squeeze - the toughest part is being “ok” with charting your own path and accepting that others are better suited to do this long term / make a lot of money. I haven’t yet been able to solve for this and compare myself to others constantly.

 

not to mention the health impacts that will likely last me the rest of my life”. Mind elaborate?

 

While I cant speak for this comment just read a bit about what a constant lack of sleep, high stress and unhealthy lifestyle (sometimes combined with heavy weight gain) will do to your body and mind in the long-term. 

Your body can push for a few years but you need breaks. And even if you have breaks its not advisable to do this type of stuff for 5+ years. If you do I would at least switch jobs to get some gardening leave as a mental reset between jobs. 

Losing personality is why this industry works, you get sucked into work, your social circle exists around work, many people slowly loose their interest outside of work and become the perfect soldier to trade their life for money and a career. Not saying its wrong, there is a certain amount of people who really enjoy what they are doing, but I bet there is a larger part of people who would be happier giving it all up and finding their true personality again. 

 

Feel this. Left when I realized the money just wasn't worth it as I had already "secured" my retirement in a way. Couldn't stand the people as a junior and the thought of chasing deals for the rest of my career as a senior (at the expense of my health/personal life) wasn't appealing.

Some people love it, some hate it. Just wasn't for me after a few years. No ragrets 

 

I am A2VP and feeling this as well. Although I largely still have my pre-banking personality, being around this many neurotic losers has taken a toll and looking up the flagpole it is not what I want to become. 

 

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