134 Comments
 
Best Response
  1. it is not fair, you're justifiably mad

  2. never, ever, ever talk about your compensation versus someone else, it should always be on your own merit

  3. time in the office does not translate to productivity

  4. apologize, say you overreacted, and then calmly say something like "what I was trying to get across, was that I think that the new incentive structure does not compensate me as equitably as the prior one, and here's why: on X deal under the old structure, the bonus would've been A......" I would also add in something like how much you've loved being there (if you did), and then see if there's a way for you to get some carry worked in there

  5. if by her making 2x your salary that means she makes 2x your overall comp, you should leave that firm. if salary is a miniscule part of your comp and most of it's from carry, fees, profit share, etc., don't worry about it, overall comp is what matters if you want to measure yourself against someone

  6. clarify roles with the partners, explain how your interactions have been if she's truly giving you orders and treating you like you're inferior; but also ask yourself "how am I treating her?"

  7. all of that said, and I'm quoting Harold & Kumar here "the universe tends to unfold as it should."

Godspeed

 

What are you an idiot?

How much other people in the firm get paid is none of your fucking concern. Your comp is triangulated based on (1) market comp for your seat; (2) how profitable the firm is; (3) how important you are to the firm / how much they'd care if you left / your actual ability & willingness to leave.

You said that the comp structure worked out just fine for you, so it sounds like you were happy with your comp until you learned a "lesser" person was making more than you. Sure, that would that irk me too.. But the extent to which its become an issue for you and the fact that you were dumb enough to bitch about it in that manner to the partners suggests your maturity level isn't up to snuff.

If you feel you're being under comped, go to the partners with cold hard facts and keep your alternative options in your back pocket if they don't hit your bid. Don't go to them with some sorry ass weak shit like "that person's making more than me and they're support staff."

I'd fire you just for being dickless and lacking the balls to negotiate like a man.

 

suing is a ridiculous waste of money in my opinion but if you do decide to take legal action please do not also follow IPs advice and tell other perspective employers that you are involved in a lawsuit of this nature in order to weed out dishonest people...that is hilariously bad advice. I cant think of a worse answer to the old "so why did you leave your last job?" question then "actually, i am currently involved in a lawsuit over my bonus which I initiated upon learning that a back-office employee appeared to be making more money then I was". I would very politely end the interview and have you ushered out of the building by staff that has very recently completed all necessary sensitivity training, possibly holding you by the elbows to ensure no slip and fall until you were safely in the lobby.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.6%
  • Blackstone Group 99.2%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Bain Capital 98.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Blackstone Group 99.6%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.2%
  • The Riverside Company 98.9%
  • Ardian 98.5%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.2%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (98) $365
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (104) $281
  • 2nd Year Associate (235) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (411) $229
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (97) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (272) $124
  • Intern/Summer Associate (38) $81
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (355) $62
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”