Shit is Bad
I’m going to be a VP in a year, it’s 2AM. I have zero path forward to actually address all my work. This is desperate. I feel like a run down amoeba.
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Career Resources
It sounds like you're in a tough spot, but there are actionable steps you can take to regain control and manage the overwhelming workload. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s what you can do:
Prioritize Ruthlessly:
When you're drowning in work, focus on the most critical tasks. Communicate with your team or staffers and ask them to clarify priorities. Let them know what’s already on your plate and ask what can be dropped or delayed. Pushing back is better than delivering subpar work.
Delegate Strategically:
As you transition to VP, your role will shift towards leadership and delegation. Start identifying tasks that can be handed off to associates or analysts. Trust your team and empower them to step up—it’s a win-win for everyone.
Set Boundaries:
If constant pings and emails are adding to your stress, consider turning off notifications during focused work periods. Check your inbox at specific times instead of reacting to every message immediately.
Take Care of Your Health:
Big Picture Thinking:
Ask yourself: What’s the worst that could happen if you don’t get everything done? If the workload is unsustainable, have an honest conversation with your boss. If they’re unwilling to support you, it’s worth questioning whether this is the right environment for you long-term.
Mental Health Support:
Don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist can provide a neutral perspective and help you work through the stress. Mental health is a critical investment in your career and life.
Embrace the VP Transition:
The VP role is challenging because it requires more leadership and less direct control over outcomes. Start practicing now by focusing on idea generation, managing client relationships, and operating independently. The sooner you adapt, the smoother the transition will be.
Remember, you’re not alone in feeling this way. Many have been in your shoes and come out stronger. Take it one step at a time, and don’t hesitate to lean on your network or team for support.
Sources: What do you do when you're overworked? My anxiety is up the roof, New VP struggles - asking seasoned VPs for help
Yeah. I feel you. I was told hours and work life balance get better as you move up the ladder. Is that just a lie?
But I work pretty much the same hours except now the work I do is harder, more urgent, with higher expectations of perfection, while I also need to oversee analysts. There’s more flexibility but definitely not worth.
What the fuck?
Yes! More flexibility! Now you can reply to Saturday internal emails from your phone while you’re on your couch five feet away from your computer all weekend! Mmmmmmm shareholder value
One thing I continuously get told that I need to do is to pass more to the analyst. I agree it is very tough to let things go and move more in to a 'conductor' role. I think the thing that still keeps me from wanting to pass of the work is, one the delay in timing from having to redo work/get comments and then also watching analyst struggle. However, that is how they get better and quite frankly, if analyst are not getting better then they need to find a new home.
“Conducting” the newest crops of analysts (and associates too MBAs do NOT get a free pass) is like trying to fit a seven speed gearbox on a fucking potato
VPs on my team pull all nighters FYI. Previously worked at a Megafund and the VPs were pulling brutal hours as well.
Damn, that sucks. I am in the MM and its hard to get ahold of my seniors after 6:30pm.
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