Top tips to deal with burnout
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Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some actionable tips to deal with burnout as a 2nd-year associate in PE:
Prioritize Small Breaks: Even in a high-pressure environment, carve out a few hours weekly for activities that recharge you—whether it's working out, pursuing a hobby, or spending time with friends. These small breaks can make a significant difference.
Communicate Workload: Push back when necessary and communicate with your team about your capacity. Highlight how overwork might impact the quality of your deliverables. Reasonable colleagues will understand and respect this.
Evaluate Your Environment: If the culture at your fund is unsupportive and unsustainable, consider exploring opportunities at smaller funds, family offices, or even corporate development roles. These often offer better work-life balance and a healthier culture.
Reassess Career Goals: Reflect on whether the prestige path aligns with your personal happiness. It's okay to prioritize a fulfilling life over climbing the ladder at a big fund.
Take a Strategic Break: If possible, plan for a short vacation or even a longer sabbatical. This can help you reset and gain clarity on your next steps.
Focus on Long-Term Perspective: Remember that seniority often brings more control over your schedule and a shift toward more intellectually stimulating work. This can be a motivating factor to push through the tough times.
Seek Support: Therapy, mentorship, or even just talking to peers who’ve been through similar experiences can provide valuable insights and emotional relief.
For more detailed advice, check out this thread: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/handling-stress-bu…</a">Handling Stress / Burnout in Private Equity.
Sources: Handling Stress / Burnout in Private Equity, Handling Stress / Burnout in Private Equity, Dealing with Uncertainty / Burnout as a First Year Associate, Q&A: 3rd Year PE Associate ($10bn+ AUM, MBO/LBO, equity, mezz, distressed debt), Q&A: Recently Left Role as Sr. Associate in LMM PE Due to Burnout
Sleep, salt baths, massages, 420, music therapy.
420 will only burn you out more since you are numbing and avoiding the pain instead of having gratitude to God for giving it to you
420 + preworkout + heavy workout sessions used to be my lifeblood but can’t really do bong hits anymore as I can’t smoke in my current place.
Something that helps me is to do a really difficult workout. Seems to push all the burnout away. Also exploring a part of town that you’ve never been to is huge, let your mind see some new things
Jesus and thus gratitude
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