PE versus IB Associate

Quick background: I’m a first year analyst at a higher tier BB, and idk if I wanna sry and become an associate or recruit for PE.

what are y’all thoughts on this? I’m not sure what I want to do yet, but from what I hear, PE work life balance is much better (60 - 80 hours per week) as opposed to IB (80 - 100 hours per week). Also, pay is better? And from what I hear, all the “smart” IB analysts go to PE - idk if this is true necessarily. is it worth taking a “non-prestigious” (whatever that means) PE firm over a strong BB?

I’d love to hear ur guys’ thoughts!! thanks all

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