So it seems like a ton of people leave for PE for a better lifestyle (true or false, not sure as i have not done it yet). What is your experience in terms of lifestyle at MF PE? Looking for people there currently or that have been there to share their experience. What is work life balance at Blackstone, KKR, Silver Lake or even firms like H&F, CD&R, Sycamore. Thank you!
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In my view, a good MF PE associate work life balance is working 60 hours a week when it’s normal and 80-90 hours a week when busy, and only being busy for a few months of the year. Bad work life balance is working 70-80 at all times and flexing up to 90-100+ when chasing a deal. There are people at my firm that are on both ends of the spectrum, and it has only a small correlation with performance. Some people like it more than banking and others do not, but most people I know are happy with their decision for compensation, career prospects, etc.
I think that's what any ambitious person in their 20's should expect. It seems like everyone wants great work/life balance within a few years out of school, it's absurd. I would never treat my analysts/associates the way I was treated, but they seem to want the extreme opposite end where they really aren't working hard at all. And for anyone who wants to "Ok Boomer" me, I'm an elder millennial.
Okay boomer