Starting to feel mental limits

Let me preface this by saying I'm still young, which makes this situation even stranger. Just started an MSF program and have been gunning for IB/PE. In the past 6 months, I have noticed that around 9/10pm I hit a mental wall and my thinking speed, ability to digest complex ideas & attention to detail slows down dramatically. I'm lucky enough to be able to sleep 8–10 hours a night, eat well, exercise regularly. Seeing as IB has a famous requirement of grinding for long hours at high levels of performance, I'm beginning to consider whether it would really be the right place for me. I enjoy the work (and comp/exit ops) but may need to consider alternative options. Has anyone experienced this before? What are healthy ways to compensate? I do have an ADHD diagnosis and script, but don't use the meds because I also have an addictive personality (currently internet/gym, previously nic, weed). Plus, anytime I have used them I may be less distracted for a few hours but will sacrifice my stamina, which steepens the drop in performance towards the end of the day. Long term goals involve being able to save enough capital to invest in cash flowing assets or EtA. I used to be IB ride or die for prestige, vanity etc. Now I just want to achieve my long term goal by any means possible.

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This isn’t just you, this is a lot of people (possibly everyone) and my mental capacity turns off a lot earlier (~6-7pm) vs when I was a banking analyst 3 years ago. If I get 7 hours of sleep, there is a notable difference in my productivity and ability to think straight. We humans actually critically think for maybe a few hours a day. To answer your questions:

  • Banking is not an intellectually-driven job. You will do the same thing a million times and eventually reach a point where you can work mindlessly. This is the banking Analyst job and trust me, you will NOT need to use high brain power for any task (even something like modeling or CIM drafting which you may be referring to)
  • These “complex ideas” you are referring to will not come until you are a Director+ in banking, or if you leave banking and go to buy side
  • Over time, hours get better / have more control in your career
  • I got 7+ hours of sleep a night at a BB in a “sweaty” group. If you’re consistently working past 2am…you’re doing something wrong and as an Analyst you can wake up at 9am and get into the office 10-11am. Late morning are the norm for banking analysts
  • Work streams get easier over time. You will get the hang of things. Action overcomes anxiety / fear and is how you build confidence
  • Healthy ways to cope - avoid nicotine, alcohol, substances. These things cause brain fog and mess up sleep quality (sleep quality > hours slept), and actually contribute to loss of focus. Better to quit and go through withdrawal phase prior to starting
 

Im going to a MM firm next summer, I didn’t know that late morning are a norm for analysts. Is this true for most banks?

 

Associate 2 in PE - LBOs:

This isn’t just you, this is a lot of people (possibly everyone) and my mental capacity turns off a lot earlier (~6-7pm) vs when I was a banking analyst 3 years ago. If I get 7 hours of sleep, there is a notable difference in my productivity and ability to think straight. We humans actually critically think for maybe a few hours a day. To answer your questions:




  • Banking is not an intellectually-driven job. You will do the same thing a million times and eventually reach a point where you can work mindlessly. This is the banking Analyst job and trust me, you will NOT need to use high brain power for any task (even something like modeling or CIM drafting which you may be referring to)

  • These “complex ideas” you are referring to will not come until you are a Director+ in banking, or if you leave banking and go to buy side

  • Over time, hours get better / have more control in your career

  • I got 7+ hours of sleep a night at a BB in a “sweaty” group. If you’re consistently working past 2am…you’re doing something wrong and as an Analyst you can wake up at 9am and get into the office 10-11am. Late morning are the norm for banking analysts

  • Work streams get easier over time. You will get the hang of things. Action overcomes anxiety / fear and is how you build confidence

  • Healthy ways to cope - avoid nicotine, alcohol, substances. These things cause brain fog and mess up sleep quality (sleep quality > hours slept), and actually contribute to loss of focus. Better to quit and go through withdrawal phase prior to starting




Appreciate the insightful reply. The last few days I’ve switched from coffee to tea which has been an interesting experience. Will stick with it for a while to see the difference. Had no idea about the late mornings for analysts.

 

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