Does this mean I am not cut out for PE?

Hi guys, I am a PE ASO 1 who is pretty burnt out. 

As you guys know, there is just so much I can be doing to get ahead, to really "prove" myself, to really drive things forward and make myself look good and go above and beyond. But frankly, because I am burnt out, I just don't give a shit anymore. I don't double check my work anymore, I do the bare minimum, I do whatever it takes to just get home earlier and sign off the earliest. I still just got my top review and bonus, but holy shit fighting for promotes and just going above and beyond 24/7 like other associates looks not worth it. I want the bare minimum, anyone else?

4 Comments
 

Same thing happened to me. Do you feel like you are misaligned? Think about the best performers in anything. They tend to be obsessed with their craft to the point that going above and beyond is normal and doesn’t create any friction in their life.

You should think about whether you are genuinely there with investing. If not, I’d encourage you to think about other options.

 

There’s your answer then. I keep coming back to two things when I think about giving up PE.

One, you’ve probably outperformed intellectually your entire life but the reality is there are a lot of smart people in the world. The only way to succeed and outcompete them is to work more. The only way to outwork them is to be genuinely obsessed with what you are doing. Pursue something that has good business fundamentals with true viciousness and you’ll be surprised at what you can accomplish.

In addition, think about this. If you are a high performer in something you hate. What would tour performance be like in something you love.

Having your identity and finances wrapped up in PE makes it tough to give up but if you truly feel that way it is probably the best way to grow.

 

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