Feeling dumb - 1yr in the game

Hey Monkeys,

I’ve always done well academically and never had trouble thinking quickly or grasping complex stuff. But since starting my first year in IB, I’ve noticed a real decline in my mental sharpness. I struggle to retain what I read, I’m slower at processing, and connecting the dots feels harder than it used to.

I’m wondering if it’s just the grind, or something deeper. Maybe the lack of sleep, constant stress, p*rn use (3–4x a week), or even overuse of short-form content and AI tools are messing with my brain. Could be all of it combined.

Anyone else gone through something like this? Did it get better? Would appreciate any honest takes.

8 Comments
 

I dont watch much short-form content. Can it be p*rn or other factors that are not out of my control (like sleep)?

 
Most Helpful

Ipsum sapiente quo quis. Est deleniti excepturi culpa nemo neque voluptas consequuntur sint. Consequuntur explicabo vel rem et.

"And where we had thought to be alone we shall be with all the world"

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.6%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.0%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.6%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 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 (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (65) $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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
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...”