Leave PE early or stick it out 2 years?

Hey man -- sorry to hear you're going through it. I was in the exact same place last year (1st year ASO) and for a variety of reasons could just not find drive in my PE job. Got good reviews but dreaded coming into work every day even thought hours were better. I could go on about my specific role and experiences but I'll keep it brief (feel free to read my past posts tho) here. 

I think at a certain point your values just change. I was similar in that I was weirdly content in banking. Certainly burned out by the end but based on my goals / values at the time I was able to get through banking easier than PE. I was more willing to dedicate my life to that job for 2 years, particularly because I knew it would help down the road and frankly I had zero hobbies and a long distance GF.

When I got to PE, quickly found out it required the same mindset (as my VPs were still working hours on hours). I just didn't have that mindset anymore.

So for your situation, I think if you already know you aren't going to stay in PE after your second year there really isn't a huge ramification for leaving sooner. Sure you may not get as senior of a position at the new gig, but comp wise you really aren't missing out on a ton after-tax over the long run.

In terms of how to approach your next step, try to identify what you are looking for in a role. Sounds like you started to do that in your post as you mentioned wanting to WFH more and have more autonomy (I felt the exact same way). Find out what hobbies you want to do, what your ideal weekly schedule is, how important your weekends are, what you do like about your job, what industry excites you (this one is optional, though certainly helps if you are interested) and what compensation is required to fit your lifestyle and definition of success. If I missed anything feel free to add your own personal questions based on your passions / values.

If you try to find a job that fits most or all of those criteria, you'll most likely be going to an opportunity that excites you, versus leaving a job you dislike. I try to keep that general rule in mind: never run away from a job, always run towards a new job. Think that helps with the overall decision and makes sure you are in the right headspace to take it.

In the meantime, while you figure this all out, coast a bit more at work, take a bit longer to respond to emails. Once I resigned to the fact I'd be leaving and did this, I actually got better reviews since I was less stressed. My company was actually shocked I left (despite them telling me they knew I was unhappy 6 months in and proceeded to do nothing to change that besides raise comp for all associates), they figured I was hitting my stride once I started relaxing more (maybe a good lesson there for everyone!).

It'll take a few months to find that good opportunity that checks most of your boxes, but your feeling right now is completely normal. Once I got to PE I had this burning feeling of how I didn't want this to be my life, causing burnout and stress, and once I got out all those negative feelings (and health effects) went away. Try to stay positive, lean on your friends and family. It'll get better. Hope this helps!