Thoughts on PE WLB during COVID

I’m sure most have seen the WLB practical considerations thread that got a lot of traction last week. While the horror stories in that thread were no doubt accurate, taking a step back I can’t help but wonder how much of that is PE’s fault vs. how much of it is driven by COVID.

Namely, it seemed like most of those sharing horror stories were first year Associates. That means they started PE during COVID and WFH PE is all they’ve ever known. It seemed like most of the commenters with pre-COVID PE experience were significantly more satisfied with their experience, and I’d bet it’s because they know what a normal baseline looks like.

Look the honest truth is you’re going to work a ton in PE. I think we all know that. But during normal times you get to be in person hanging around the office with other Associates, you get to travel sometimes, and the daily commute forces you to at least get some fresh air. While these may tack on an unproductive hour or so to your day, I’m starting to realize they meaningfully impact your mental state in a positive way. In COVID/WFH PE, there’s really no reason to leave your apartment. You’re cranking hard on a deal, you can get seamless delivered to your door, and taking a walk outside ‘just because’ feels like a waste of precious time. The result is you spend 23+ hours a day in your apartment, and when you combine that with the hours we work that’s enough to make anyone depressed / really unhappy.

For those looking to enter the industry who are worried by the post from last week, I would at least recognize the impact COVID may be having on how people are feeling right now. For those currently going through it, take that walk outside. I have tried doing a 20 min walk every day these past couple weeks and it’s really helped.  

YMMV