Burned out at a smaller shop

I'm a 2nd year analyst at smaller REPE shop in the east coast with good deal flow but low staffing. I came into the industry to focus on acquisitions but find myself doing asset management, portfolio management, and investor relations on top of the deals I'm already working on. I enjoy the work but can't help but feel burned out from trying to juggle the different responsibilities. As is the case for many in the forum, I've had a few headhunters reach out and am considering pivoting to a larger firm where I could maybe focus more on one specific role. Am I being unrealistic? Would I encounter the same experience at large firms like BX/Starwood?

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A place like BX and Starwood is going to work you to the bone but pay you top of market. However, you can find a firm where you still make very good money, focus on one job, and have hours that are realistic for someone to continually do. Read: 40-60 hours per week, generally falling at 50ish. I left a job for this exact reason-it was acquisitions, asset management, and portfolio management and it was just consistent 80-100 hour work weeks which was ridiculous. And I focused on finding a job that was one thing and had a balance for my life. I, personally, am much happier and feel I can do the job better at this point in time. 

 

Agreed with pudding - if you just want to focus purely on acquisitions and have a reasonable WLB then a middle market firm is the place for you.

I wouldn't run from your current role so fast though. There's a lot to be said for wearing that many hats and getting such a well rounded experience in the long run. It better equips you for exec/entrepreneurial roles later than someone who has only ever worked acquisitions.

 

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