Should I recruit for PE if I don’t care at all? Or am I speed running burnout…

Based on the most helpful WSO content, your situation resonates with many who have faced similar crossroads in their careers. Here's what you need to consider:

1. Burnout Risk: If you're already disinterested in IB and finance, pursuing PE purely for prestige or FOMO could indeed fast-track burnout. Many professionals in PE report that the hours can be just as grueling, if not worse, than IB, with added stress from political environments or struggling portfolio companies. Without genuine interest, the grind can feel even more taxing.

2. FOMO vs. Personal Fulfillment: It's common to feel FOMO when peers move to the buyside, but chasing a career path for external validation (prestige, ego boost) rather than internal fulfillment often leads to dissatisfaction. As one WSO thread highlights, many juniors blindly follow the prestige path only to realize later that it doesn't align with their personal goals or happiness.

3. Self-Reflection: Take time to figure out what truly excites you. Writing down why you're considering PE or staying in finance can help clarify your motivations. If the reasons are more external (money, prestige) than internal (passion, interest), it might be worth exploring other paths.

4. Alternative Options: If you're disciplined and hardworking, your skills are transferable. Consider roles that align better with your interests, such as corporate development, family offices, or even non-finance careers. As one WSO contributor noted, "You have the skillset and credentials to fall back on a $200k role—you will be fine."

5. Exploration: Sometimes, stepping away from the grind to explore other interests can lead to unexpected opportunities. As another thread suggests, having free time to direct your energy toward what you enjoy can be transformative.

Ultimately, the bigger question is indeed what you want out of life. Prestige and money are valid motivators, but they might not sustain you long-term if the work itself doesn't resonate. Take a step back, reflect on your goals, and don't be afraid to carve your own path—even if it diverges from the traditional finance trajectory.

Sources: Handling Stress / Burnout in Private Equity, Why The Grass Isn't Greener: The Private Equity Associate Crisis (PEAC), PE isn’t the best way to get into b-school