How far do you guys plan to go? On topic of burnout / stress

1 year into my PE stint at a really sweaty firm, after being at a MOE / EVR sweatshop group for 3 years too.

I think after getting my bonus I will just leave and go into strategy or corp dev. However, really thinking about this hard as I know I have a pretty safe path to make a boat load of money if I want to just keep enduring the suffering and misery (dramatic I know but I am so unhappy lol). I know it is not guranteed but I have had stellar reviews and were told on track for promotions and a "long term career" at the firm. So I feel like if I just shut up and keep my head down and I can make so much money but at the same time want to GTFO asap...  Everytime waking up for work is so agonizing and my weeks feel like months. 

What are your guys plan? Do you plan to just stick this through for a couple years to make money and then exit? How many of you plan to try to rise to VP / Partner? I look at my seniors and they are all 50 with kids still working til 10-11pm and always on call. Doesnt seem like what I want. Wanted to hear others. 

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Been in your shoes and relatable.. worked at a top bank -> MF -> now moving to a HF. Sure PE is a path to making a shit ton of money but unless you truly love it, you're essentially trading away your life for high $ on the hour. Maybe staying PE is the thing for you but would encourage you to think outside of the track before the handcuffs kick in. Personally, I got comfortable with the non-linearity of life/careers and made the leap of faith out of PE. Good luck!

 

Sounds like it’s time to quietly begin networking at a select few companies that pay well and give you a better wlb (e.g m&a at Apple or some other elite big tech). Easier said than done but if you can stick it out for another year, definitely worth starting to see what sorts of roles you can land that provide a more fitting lifestyle while still providing decent financial upside for yourself. I’m sure there are at least a few out there, and with a background like yours, might be a doable exit.

 

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