Recently just joined a PE-backed corp dev group after 4 years of banking and am looking for some advice as I feel like the role has unfortunately been misrepresented.
I did as much DD as possible into the company and talked to multiple other associates on the team who said hours were “way better” than banking (explicitly mentioned 50-60 hours). Lo and behold my first week on the desk and every single member of the team is online past 10pm M-F and clocked ~6 hours on Saturday and 8 hours on Sunday. For those of you counting, materially higher than 50-60 hours lol. Also I was looking at statuses for people across multiple deals so it wasn’t just a 1 deal / 1 week fluke. This appears to be the actual culture.
I of course will stick it out for 1-2 months just to be sure.. but what do I do? My main prioritization is WLB and 150k all in minimum. With 4+ years of IB experience I believe this to be achievable - is FP&A Manager my best route? Other paths?
Also - should I stick it out 6 months and recruit with an updated resume for my new role? Or do I just immediately start recruiting for chiller roles and leave this one off the resume?
Really would appreciate any advice. Thank you.
Del
Don't choose a job because of the hours
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's how you can approach your situation:
Assess the Role and Culture:
It's clear that the work-life balance (WLB) in your current role is not aligning with what was communicated during the hiring process. While it's good that you're giving it 1-2 months to confirm if this is the norm, it’s important to evaluate whether the role offers any long-term benefits that might outweigh the current workload. If not, it’s reasonable to start exploring other opportunities.
FP&A Manager as an Option:
FP&A roles are often highlighted as a solid choice for professionals seeking better WLB while maintaining a competitive compensation package. Based on WSO threads, FP&A managers typically work 40-45 hours per week, with occasional spikes during budgeting or quarterly reporting periods. Compensation for experienced professionals with an IB background can meet or exceed your $150k all-in target, especially at larger companies or in industries like tech or financial services.
Timing Your Exit:
Alternative Career Paths:
Beyond FP&A, other roles that align with your WLB and compensation goals include:
Recruiting Strategy:
Final Thoughts:
Your IB experience gives you a strong foundation to pivot into roles with better WLB. FP&A is a great option, but don’t limit yourself—explore other corporate finance or strategy roles that align with your priorities. If you decide to leave your current role quickly, be prepared to explain the misalignment professionally during interviews.
Good luck!
Sources: What I Learned From Lying On My Resume, I Got Screwed With My Internship Placement, Can I Ask to Switch Roles or Am I Fucked?, Corporate Development Manager - Q&A, RESCINDED FT Analyst Offer, Q&A: FP&A Manager at a Technology Start-up
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