MBB vs. MF/UMM PE
I have been at an MBB for less than a year and am getting hit up by headhunters in PE. Trying to decide if I should grind to get and perform in PE interviews or just let it be. I have a few thoughts:
1) I know that PE hours and stress are significantly higher than MBB because of the nature of the work (multiple deals and responsibilities simultaneously). Say in PE you would do 80+ hours a week vs. in MBB you would do 65+ hours a week. If I just dedicated that 15 hour difference to becoming better at my MBB role wouldn't that hypothetically help me get promoted faster in a chiller career? Whereas in PE it would be harder to get an advantage since everyone is putting in 80+ hours?
2) More protected time at MBB would also allow me to better pursue self-education and have more free time to read about my field like I do now. I am afraid that if I have literally zero free time in PE I would not be able to self-educate. Is this dumb? Does anyone else think self-education is important or is this something I will stop thinking about as I progress in my career?
3) I really enjoy my life and work at MBB right now. I have dealt with stress and high blood pressure in the past and that is finally under control right now. I am afraid that going into PE with more hours and more stress would mean sacrificing my health for significantly more pay. Has anyone that has made the jump felt that the sacrifice on their health has taken a toll?
4) What are the differences between MBB and PE in one's ability to take vacations + spend time with your SO/loved ones?
Based on your post, you sound happy at MBB and not genuinely interested in PE. Maybe flip it around - what actually attracts you to PE / what makes you consider the outreach (besides flattery)?
Bruh that selective bolding is giving me flashbacks to my Bain days
I've cited this post before (should probably just save it bc I've referenced it a few times) but there's a older post where someone goes from MBB to PE and the back to MBB and they cite all the reason for why PE wasn't a good fit for them. Basically, it comes down to the fact that PE, especially at the bigger firms, is demanding and intense in a way that most MBB roles are not. It's also not as collaborative or team driven in general and I'd argue that there is really very little emphasis in PE on firm culture, personal development, etc. You're kind of there to do deals and make money and the learnings come as your continue to do more deals. The hours are also generally heavier and less protected. From what I hear, MBB is pretty good about not blowing up weekends, ~60/week, especially including travel really isn't that bad, people actually partially if not fully unplug for vacations, etc.
On the other hand, MBB tends to be more of a balance. I haven't worked in MBB, but have plenty of B-School friends and the likes who have been there for years. In general, I've found that post-MBA, the MBB contingent seems to generally be the happiest. Bankers hate their jobs, PE folks generally hate their jobs, tech is somewhere in the middle, but the MBB group seems to straddle a nice line between working hard, making good money, good perks, some humanity as far as WLB goes.
In your case you need to think about what you want out of life, how it impacts your health and other key considerations and decide. If you're very curious about PE, want/need the money, and are more excited about trying something new, than apprehensive to make the change, then go for it. On the other hand, while the money can be solid as an Associate, you're likely not going to become rich in a 2 year program, maybe you end up +100k/year or so. Again, if you have student debt, want to do B-School, etc then maybe that money means a lot. If it doesn't and you're not that excited about PE, I wouldn't chase it just because it's the right thing to do.
Last thing, you could also pursue it lightly, but on your own terms. Do some digging into the consultant friendly shops, maybe tell the recruiters you are looking for more MM oriented places that aren't 2 and out and that might be able to offer a slightly better lifestyle.
Edit: Found the link
https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/to-all-consultants…
Why would tech be below MBB if we're talking about balance between money, perks, and WLB?
To echo the above, a lot of consultants find the transition to PE to be pretty rough. I would definitely reach out to alumni of your firm in PE to get a first hand account of their experiences.
If you’re a top performer and leave on good terms, coming back to MBB is also an option, potentially post business school (and I’ve seen several people do it over the years). The risk is two hellish years, but you’ll make a ton of money, develop a pretty unique skill set if you transition back.
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