What is actually Ana/Aso paradise in PE?
I think I might be in it, but I'm not sure. Wanted to ask the community what they envision Analyst/Associate paradise to be in PE. No wrong answers!
I think I might be in it, but I'm not sure. Wanted to ask the community what they envision Analyst/Associate paradise to be in PE. No wrong answers!
| +73 | PE Bro Accepted to GSB/HBS/Wharton - AMA | 72 | 3h |
| +67 | Secondaries Career Outlook: Comp, Exits & Long-Term Upside? | 24 | 16h |
| +29 | Private Equity Office wear | 13 | 4d |
| +21 | Use Cases For Claude Cowork / Claude Code | 8 | 1d |
| +18 | GE / LMM PE Comp in Tier 2 City | 1 | 1d |
| +13 | Army Officer Seeking Advise on transition to PE | 4 | 17m |
| +13 | Starting Early as a PE Associate | 4 | 23h |
| +12 | Graduate Positions: Boutique LMM PE/Advisory vs. Big 4? | 0 | 5h |
| +11 | PE vs IB job security | 12 | 16h |
| +10 | How much time are you spending on new deals vs portfolio work? | 3 | 2d |
Career Resources
Working 90 hours a week, getting constantly reemed by VPs, going bald by 25 and developing old people health problems, having no weekend nor time for women, but working at a name that WSO kids would drool over
Was hoping for genuine responses, but thanks for that
I'm pretty sure I'm in ASO paradise. Average 40-50 hours a week when not in phase 2 of an acquisition process, and then standard 70-90 hours when in phase 2. Genuinely great team and culture. No busywork. I have a real interest in the sector we invest in. Good dealflow and fundraising. Clearly communicated progression goals. Good (but not great) comp. WFH 2 Days per week. No expectation for office facetime, everyone leaves office by 5:30pm and log in from home later.
Mid market fund
This is paradise — this is very rare so hold on to the seat
That's awesome man - congrats! I am in the same boat. Single GP FO with a PE-style investment strategy. Probably work 55-60 hours a week, incredible WLB, and don't ever really have tight deadlines on anything. Comp just ok though, and sometimes question if it's best from a 'career progression' standpoint
That's awesome man - congrats! I am in the same boat. Single GP FO with a PE-style investment strategy. Probably work 55-60 hours a week, incredible WLB, and don't ever really have tight deadlines on anything. Comp just ok though, and sometimes question if it's best from a 'career progression' standpoint
I'm in pretty much the exact same boat (except only 1 WFH day).
what city are you guys in?
How often would you say you’re in phase 2? Would you say long-term partner track potential is there?
If you think you’re in it, then you’re definitely in it. I wouldn’t try to benchmark your happiness off what people on WSO say, because they’re all disproportionately miserable.
I know people who work a shitton but like it, and people who objectively have great WLB for PE but are depressed. It’s all personal.
Good point - appreciate the input. My situation is great - only thing is comp is just average (not struggling by any means), and not sure if it's best from a career progression standpoint. But on the flip side tho I question if that even matters if everything else is good (i.e. work your whole career to end up back here).
Married w/ kid on the way, consistently 80hr weeks even during deal sprints, street pay, MCOL/LCOL, seniors that go to bat for you if you decide to recruit or offer a clear path to VP+.
Thanks - appreicate the input. I am wondering if VP > WLB and 60 hours weeks.
60hrs a week is a pipe dream if you want street comp and a good fund. WLB is subjective person to person.
Harum sapiente aut aperiam laboriosam harum. Rerum delectus consequatur eos. Totam illum nostrum non deserunt blanditiis laboriosam. Vitae quo recusandae alias aperiam. Mollitia labore necessitatibus rerum voluptatum veritatis exercitationem. Mollitia voluptas itaque doloribus iure.
Sit explicabo aliquam vel rerum omnis voluptatem eius et. Doloremque facere minus beatae neque ipsa.
Et officiis delectus quam aut quia ducimus fugiat. Ut quam occaecati similique. Quasi quis eos et ut suscipit. Fugiat dolorem sunt animi est incidunt perspiciatis sed.
Maxime quasi iure sunt voluptatum qui occaecati. Odit et repellendus nobis magnam voluptatem ut aspernatur. Odit ea aut qui et illo fugiat. Quam hic ut omnis molestias rerum nam error. Quibusdam vel assumenda quia voluptas repellendus quos. Et error ut aut est. Quam quia ut laudantium et deserunt consequuntur accusantium.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...