Hot take: if you genuinely hate the hours in IB, maybe you just don’t love the game enough.
I’m tired of people acting like working until 2am is some kind of human rights violation. You’re getting paid absurd money in your 20s to work on billion-dollar transactions alongside some of the smartest people in the world. That’s a privilege, not oppression.
I LOVE the feeling of leaving the office at 3am knowing we turned comments in before the client woke up. I LOVE seeing normal people complain about their 9-5 while I’m building actual resilience. I LOVE the adrenaline of a live deal, the pressure, the chaos, the impossible turnaround times. That’s what separates us (me) from average people.
You think Kobe complained about jump shots at midnight? You think Navy SEALs cry because they’re tired? Exactly.
The long hours are the point. The grind IS the culture. Every late night is another rep while everyone else is asleep. I don’t want “work-life balance” - I want to be undeniable and dependable.
Some of you want analyst pay with a therapist schedule. Wrong industry.
Bring on the comments from the weak-minded.
Based on the most insightful WSO discussions, your perspective aligns with a certain mindset prevalent in investment banking, but it's worth noting that not everyone shares this view. Here's a breakdown of the key points surrounding the long hours in IB:
The Grind as a Badge of Honor: Many in the industry, like yourself, see the long hours as a rite of passage. The adrenaline, high-stakes environment, and the satisfaction of delivering under pressure are often cited as reasons why some thrive in this demanding field.
Resilience and Growth: The intense workload is seen as a way to build resilience and develop skills rapidly. As highlighted in WSO threads, the steep learning curve and exposure to high-level transactions are unparalleled, making the sacrifices worthwhile for those who are passionate about the work.
Diverging Opinions: While some embrace the grind, others argue that the hours can be soul-crushing and unsustainable. WSO contributors have pointed out that the long hours often come at the expense of personal well-being and relationships, leading some to question whether the trade-offs are worth it.
Temporary Sacrifice: Many view the grueling hours as a temporary phase, with the goal of transitioning to roles with better work-life balance, such as private equity or corporate finance. This perspective is common among those who see IB as a stepping stone rather than a long-term career.
Mental Health and Sustainability: There’s growing recognition within the industry of the need for mental health support and sustainable work practices. Some banks have introduced initiatives like protected weekends or mandatory downtime to address these concerns.
Your "hot take" reflects a mindset that thrives on competition and high performance, but it's important to acknowledge that not everyone shares the same tolerance or enthusiasm for the grind. Ultimately, the value of the long hours depends on individual priorities and career goals.
Sources: Investment Banking Hours - What to Expect?, Was it worth it?, Why work up to MD in Investment Banking?, A Guide for Switching From Commercial Banking to Investment Banking, Anyone else fed up with the banking/finance industy?
Nice
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