Do Investment Bankers prioritize their health?

Hi Monkeys. Current sophomore at a Target looking to pursue a role in high finance. 

I've been getting increasingly worried about the *non-existent* work-life balance, especially in the analyst stages. For context, I've struggled with quite a significant health issue that has caused me to seriously struggle with my weight. I'm not overweight or anything, however, I face abnormal fluctuations and rapid weight gain due to stress.

Because of this, I'm really worried about the prospect of pursuing a career in investment banking. However, wouldn't it be silly to give up this career path just because I'm afraid I won't be able to balance my health?

The other part of me thinks perhaps because IBankers make so much money they can afford early morning workout classes / healthy take out so its not an issue for them? Or maybe there's just such a determined culture within high finance they just tend to get everything done, and end up squeezing that workout in?

Sorry for the all-over-the-place post. Would love to hear everyone's thoughts and concerns regarding this.

TLDR: Not sure if I can pursue a career in high finance because I'm scared I'll have to sacrifice my health.

8 Comments
 

I’ve only interned but I did notice a steep fall off in my cardio over the summer.

I went for runs on the weekends to start the summer but changed it to lifting.

Echo the above points- when you know you’ll get a good night of sleep, try to work out in some capacity the next morning. If you don’t work out before work, you’re not going to exercise at all that day.

If possible walk to get your food. Avoid greasy and high calorie foods like the plague. Drink a lot of water.

You’ll find time for the things that are important to you.

 
floppy dog

Yes, I do.  Others don't.  Entirely up to you

Sleep is a priority though. If you pull late nights you have to prioritize sleep as if you work out without sleep, there are no gains. 

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

This got moved to off-topic, so you'll get non-i-banking comments here too. 

In general, AM has a pretty good work-life balance I just have to be in bed at 10 and up at 5:30 to hit the gym before work.  I leave at (maybe) 5 though.  This varies from shop to shop.  Blackrock is known as slave drivers.  Some others are even chiller than my place.  I have no idea how you'd get an entry level job though. All you see listed are  internal sales roles

The only difference between Asset Management and Investment Research is assets. I generally see somebody I know on TV on Bloomberg/CNBC etc. once or twice a week. This sounds cool, until I remind myself that I see somebody I know on ESPN five days a week.
 

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