Dealing with Breakup/Being single in PE

Sup guys,

Recently broke up with my GF of over a year a few weeks ago and suddenly just feel mentally checked out. I just turned 25 too so feeling weird being single and having to date again and lowkey worried about having to find someone I am actually excited about again.

Has anyone dealt with something like this while grinding away? Feels like it’s harder to meet women while in this job and also feel like 30 is approaching any day lol.

Anyone got encouraging words brah?

5 Comments
 

In a similar boat man, 26 and single. Waking up just trying to survive the gauntlet of whatever comes with the day to hopefully be asleep by 2am, then repeat. Getting into a real relationship doesn't seem like its in the cards anytime soon given all my energy is pretty much is required to be put into work. Currently focused on being a good performer through the end of year and getting another bonus which will put me in a really good spot financially, then gonna regroup and figure out what my plans are going forward. Not sure if that's committing to the grind in PE for a bit longer or begin the search for something else to get a semblance of a life back. Tough decision for me as the runway to continue to advance in PE is there and the money I can continue to sock away at this job for the next few years is significant. 

 

Based on previous WSO threads, dealing with a breakup while working in a demanding job like Private Equity can be incredibly challenging. Here are some insights and advice that might help:

  1. Acknowledge Your Feelings:

    • It's normal to feel mentally checked out and worried about dating again. Breakups are tough, and it's important to give yourself time to heal.
  2. Stay Busy:

    • Keeping yourself occupied can help distract from the pain. Engage in hobbies, work on personal projects, or even take up new activities that interest you.
  3. Rebuild Your Social Network:

    • Proactively reach out to friends and family. Rebuilding your social network outside of your relationship is crucial. It provides emotional support and helps you feel less isolated.
  4. Focus on Self-Improvement:

    • Use this time to work on yourself. Hit the gym, adopt a healthier lifestyle, and pursue personal goals. Improving your physical and mental health can boost your confidence and overall well-being.
  5. Consider Counseling:

    • If you're struggling to cope, seeking professional help can be beneficial. Counseling provides a safe space to express your feelings and get professional advice on managing your emotions.
  6. Get Back into Dating:

    • When you feel ready, consider getting back on dating apps or attending social events. Meeting new people can be refreshing and help you move on.
  7. Stay Positive:

    • Remember that things will get better with time. Many people have gone through similar experiences and come out stronger. Stay hopeful and patient.
  8. Engage in Community Discussions:

    • Participate in forums and discussions where others share their experiences. It can be comforting to know you're not alone and to hear how others have navigated similar situations.

For more detailed advice and shared experiences, you can check out the following threads on WSO: - https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/dealing-with-a…</a">Dealing with a tough breakup while working in IB? - https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/feels-like-eve…</a">Feels like every facet of my life has fallen apart this year

Hang in there, and remember that it's okay to take things one day at a time.

Sources: Dealing with a tough breakup while working in IB?, Please help! - burnt out and depressed despite having my dream job and not sure how to fix it, Feels like every facet of my life has fallen apart this year, Have not dated in 3 years, 30 year old Male - Q&A

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Build a bridge and get over it. Yes it'll be harder to meet people now but if you care, you'll make the effort. Otherwise just continue to grind away and be opportunistic.

"If you don't have any enemies in life you have never stood up for anything" - Winston Churchill | "It's a testament to the sheer belligerence of the profession that people would rather argue about the 'risk-adjusted returns' of using inferior tooth cleaning methods." - kellycriterion
 
Most Helpful

Et repellat quos at optio dolorem enim vero. Ullam excepturi atque expedita quaerat ut. Totam natus quos itaque dolor ipsum velit voluptate et.

Autem itaque aut cupiditate deleniti ad quod sapiente. Necessitatibus quasi sint modi a voluptate nihil. Est eius debitis ut animi voluptatibus reiciendis.

Adipisci adipisci sint enim id. Odio corporis minus eaque qui qui delectus perspiciatis tenetur. Beatae aut deleniti accusamus deleniti vel qui fugiat non. Quos et eligendi provident ut dolor odio rem qui.

Exercitationem perferendis recusandae aut iure dolorem. Vitae ut vero qui et. Qui qui aut non laborum voluptatum.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (77) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (71) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”