Relationship breaking up ?

I am actually an financial analyst in a small startup doing a gap year, I really want to go in IB so I am working my ass of for that, trying to be as efficient as possible But now my girlfriend doesn’t seem to understand that, she is already working and for her we can spend more time together , but before she used to understand the fact that I had to finish my studies and do what I want Now she seems to be less comprehensive for her it’s like being in high school The situation which I told her is not the same because my time allowance and her time are not the same and she is already working I am a little bit lost because I don’t want to put my objectives on the side but I am trying to make her understand and she seems to be blocked on her idea that if I can find time I will which I agree but it’s like when you succeed to give her more she want more again and I can’t , the goals that I fixed for myself and for us are important and she seems to see only the present and not the future Need your help I am a little bit lost

2 Comments
 

Navigating the balance between career ambitions and personal relationships is a common challenge, especially in high-demand fields like investment banking. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and suggestions that might help you manage this situation:

  1. Communication is Key: It's crucial to have open and honest conversations with your girlfriend about your ambitions, the demands of your career path, and how it impacts your time together. Share your long-term vision, including the benefits your hard work will bring to both of you in the future. It's not just about finding more time but making her understand why your time is limited now.

  2. Quality Over Quantity: Given the constraints on your time, focus on the quality of the time you spend together rather than the quantity. Plan meaningful activities or small gestures that show you care and are thinking of her, even when you're swamped with work.

  3. Set Realistic Expectations: Help her understand the nature of your career choice. Investment banking, especially in the early years, requires long hours and dedication. Setting realistic expectations about your availability can help mitigate disappointment and frustration.

  4. Find a Compromise: Try to find a compromise that works for both of you. This might mean dedicating certain times of the week as 'us time' where you can fully focus on each other, free from work distractions.

  5. Support System: Encourage her to pursue her interests or hobbies, or to spend time with friends and family. Having a support system outside of the relationship can be beneficial for both of you.

  6. Evaluate Priorities: While it's important to pursue your career goals, it's also crucial to evaluate what you value most in life. Sometimes, this might mean reassessing your priorities and making tough decisions.

  7. Seek External Advice: Sometimes, talking to a neutral third party, like a counselor or a mentor, can provide valuable perspective and advice on managing the balance between your career and personal life.

Remember, every relationship is unique, and what works for one couple might not work for another. It's about finding a balance that respects both your career ambitions and your relationship.

Sources: I met a girl and I don’t want to do this anymore, I met a girl and I don’t want to do this anymore, Can IB Analysts Have Girlfriends?, Q&A - Post-MBA VP, Relationships while establishing yourself

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

Expedita et voluptatum molestias dolor quos excepturi nemo. Nobis assumenda occaecati quam illum voluptatem repellat quaerat beatae. Rerum minus in amet. Vero reprehenderit est labore et unde et omnis.

Et dolore asperiores omnis omnis officia nam. Explicabo mollitia fuga non ipsa. Quis ab dolor sed officiis autem praesentium quidem. Aperiam corrupti quia omnis nulla. Facere beatae quod nisi voluptates.

Possimus minus ratione accusamus qui non deleniti beatae. Culpa dolorem sint nihil quasi ea velit. Non sunt nam eaque omnis tempora. Qui officia suscipit quas molestiae optio quis sed.

Corrupti tempore ut hic in omnis. Expedita minima ex est qui aut qui est. Dolores earum sit eveniet et.

 

Ea voluptatem et non quae exercitationem sunt et. Laboriosam in reprehenderit veritatis consequuntur earum facere repellendus alias. Repudiandae beatae minima dolor unde dolores commodi. Illo excepturi ut rerum qui.

Beatae unde minima ducimus ex ipsum eligendi adipisci assumenda. Dolores nihil id velit vero nihil sunt. Doloremque est est magni quisquam dolores.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (51) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (26) $182
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $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

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...”