How do you people tolerate the hours?

Ah, the age-old question of enduring the marathon hours in the high-finance world! Based on the most helpful WSO content, it seems like a mix of grit, perspective, and a bit of financial motivation helps folks navigate through the demanding schedules. Here's a breakdown of how some folks manage to tolerate the long hours:

1. Biological Adaptation: Some individuals adjust their entire lifestyle to fit the demanding work schedule. This means cutting down on almost everything else outside of work. Their routine becomes a cycle of waking up, going to work, coming home, and going straight to bed. Weekends are reserved for catching up on sleep. This approach helps in avoiding sleep deprivation, but it does come with its own set of challenges, particularly regarding mental health and feeling down due to the lack of activities outside work.

2. Financial Motivation: The financial rewards of working in high finance are significant. Many people rationalize the long hours by focusing on what the job means financially. They remind themselves of the financial benefits and sometimes spend money as a way to remind themselves of why they're putting in the work. This can serve as a powerful motivator to push through the tough schedules.

3. Temporary Sacrifice: A common mindset among those enduring the long hours is viewing the situation as a temporary sacrifice. The idea is that by working extremely hard for a few years, one can significantly advance their career and financial situation, setting up a more comfortable future.

4. Passion for the Work: Believe it or not, some individuals thrive in the high-pressure, fast-paced environment. The thrill of closing deals, the complexity of the transactions, and the impact of their work can be exhilarating. For these folks, the passion for the job helps mitigate the strain of long hours.

5. Support Systems: Having a strong support system, both professionally and personally, can make a big difference. This includes colleagues who understand the grind and are willing to share the load, as well as friends and family who provide emotional support outside of work.

6. Strategic Career Planning: Some individuals use the demanding roles as a stepping stone, planning their career strategically. They might tolerate the hours for a few years with the goal of moving into a role with a better work-life balance, leveraging their experience in high finance.

It's not for everyone, and it's perfectly okay to prioritize free time and hobbies. The key is finding a career path that aligns with your personal values and lifestyle preferences. Remember, it's about finding what works for you. God bless indeed, and may you find the path that brings you both success and happiness!

Sources: How do investment bankers handle long hours?, Never mind the hours, how do people stand the type of work in banking?, How can we do better?, The Work Always Gets Done, ELI5: Why do tech workers make IB money and barely do any work