The title says it all. It has been discussed on a yearly frequency here on the forum, but how is the trend developing? Are analysts in IB able to take the Saturday off - or at least do a couple of hours remotely?
Do you guys go into the office during the weekend, and if yes, for how many hours?
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Most banks are pretty strict about the protected Saturday - have to get clearance from staffer / team head if work is required
Going into the office - I believe, for probably every bank, that is very flexible on the weekends (unless you have a crazy VP)
Thank you! In your experience, how often do you have to work on Saturdays then? And what are Sunday hours like?
Its honestly quite hard to provide numbers as its very fluid, but I'll try:
Me personally - on average 5 hours each weekend. Huge variation - some weekends 0, some weekends 20
Cant provide split between Sat/Sun as my bank doesn't have a protected day - just gotta get stuff done whenever it comes in.
If you're joining a bank with a protected Sat, you can expect Sat 0, Sun 0-15h (maybe average 5).
As an incoming analyst should you not be aware of this from your own team? Even if you recruited for FT at a different firm wouldn’t it be useful to discuss this with the relevant people? Not sure what you’re expecting to get out of a wso thread on a topic like this
I am expecting to learn if there is a general drive for enforced protected Saturdays in London, as it previously has been only a gimmick.
As noted above, it is very strict, particularly after the hiring merry-go-round of 2021. That said and especially in the current market climate, it is increasingly frowned upon informally (and I'm not saying that's right), and I know MDs muttering under their breath if Analysts take protected Saturdays, particularly on live deals.
Ultimately, life is too short to miss that partner's birthday or long-awaited trip with college friends, and people have short memories anyway, but don't develop a reputation is what is worth messaging.
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