One-off wedding early on on AN1 start
Hi all,
Just wanted some advice on how to approach my staffer to ask for a day off during a weekday for one of my cousins wedding. I will be starting in August. My friends tell me that I should not really be taking time off really in the first year.
My cheap ass cousin has decided to have his wedding on a weekday on November and I have a lot of notice, but I do not know how to broach the subject with staffer or what the culture is like in London IB with regards to this.
I don't expect to be doing this often, but if there is maybe one day I need off in the year it would probably be this. I don't even like weddings or this dude in particular, but the backlash from family would have me looking like your favourite fascist dictator in their eyes for prioritising work over family.
If I can get the day off it would be great. How do people approach this? Do half-days? Say you will be on-call? I don't even know if I will be staffed. It is also randomly midweek.
Help pls
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's how you can approach this situation:
Plan Ahead and Be Transparent: Since you already know the wedding date and have ample notice, it's best to communicate early. Reach out to your staffer or manager as soon as possible, ideally before you start or during your onboarding. Mention that this is a one-off family obligation and emphasize that you’re aware of the demands of the role.
Frame It Professionally: When you approach your staffer, be clear and concise. For example, you could say:
"I wanted to flag a family obligation in November—a cousin's wedding that I’ve been asked to attend. I understand the importance of being available, especially early on, and I’m happy to ensure all my responsibilities are covered. I wanted to check if it would be possible to take that day off or work remotely/on-call if needed."
Offer Flexibility: If you’re concerned about pushback, suggest alternatives like a half-day, being on-call, or making up for the time before or after the event. This shows you’re committed to your work while also respecting your family obligation.
Understand the Culture: In London IB, taking time off early in your career can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. Some teams are more understanding, especially if you’re proactive and show that you’re not taking the request lightly. However, be prepared for the possibility that it might not be approved, especially if you’re staffed on a live deal.
Gauge the Team Dynamics: Once you start, observe how others handle similar situations. Some groups may have a more flexible culture, while others might expect you to prioritize work above all else. If your team has initiatives like "protected weekends" or encourages work-life balance, it could work in your favor.
Be Strategic: If the wedding falls during a quieter period or you’re not heavily staffed, it’s more likely to be approved. However, if it’s during a busy time, you might need to adjust your expectations or negotiate a compromise.
Ultimately, the key is to communicate early, be professional, and show that you’re willing to be flexible. Good luck navigating this!
Sources: How analysts should conduct themselves, IB Christian SA in need of advice, Vacation as an Analyst?, Is calling leads on the weekends beneficial?, Thoughts on Barclays Response to Goldman survey
Bump
Just be upfront it, flag early and say you will have your laptop with you, won’t be an issue
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