What makes you happy?

We all know working in IB can be a soul-crushing experience, but curious to hear (particularly from experienced folks) what you do on a daily/weekly basis to keep your spirits up.

To start, I really look forward to my weekend group workout classes - well worth the expenditure. During the week, getting a run in before work keeps me sane and something I will not give up for any amount of money.

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Based on the most helpful WSO content, maintaining happiness and balance in the demanding world of investment banking often comes down to finding activities outside of work that bring joy and fulfillment. Here are some strategies shared by experienced professionals:

  1. Weekly Hobbies or Activities: Many find happiness in having a consistent activity to look forward to each week. This could be a Saturday basketball league, lifting weights, running, or even a weekly brunch or gaming session with friends. These activities provide a mental break and something to anticipate.

  2. Fitness and Health: Staying physically active is a recurring theme. Whether it's a daily run, group workout classes, or aggressive exercise routines, fitness not only boosts physical health but also significantly improves mental well-being. One professional noted that being in the best shape of their life made a huge difference in their happiness.

  3. Medium-Term Goals and Trips: Planning trips or vacations with friends, such as a road trip or a European getaway, can provide a sense of excitement and purpose. Aligning vacation days with friends and coordinating plans helps create memorable experiences outside of work.

  4. Pursuing Personal Interests: Engaging in extracurricular activities like sports, reading, or traveling can help maintain a sense of individuality and joy. These pursuits allow professionals to recharge and perform better at work.

  5. Perspective and Balance: Some professionals emphasize the importance of soul-searching to identify what truly makes them happy. Focusing on these aspects, whether it's fitness, hobbies, or relationships, can lead to long-term satisfaction.

Ultimately, the key is to carve out time for yourself and prioritize activities that bring genuine happiness, even amidst the demanding hours of IB.

Sources: Life after Investment Banking, Really sad about growing up, Do you guys actually enjoy your jobs?, Do you guys actually enjoy your jobs?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/then-and-now-compbanker?customgpt=1

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

Rolled up aces over kings. - Worm

"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
 

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The day I had left IB

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"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
 

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