CMBS Capital Markets -> CMBS / Balance Sheet Lending?

I'm currently in CMBS Trading / Structuring / Syndicate and have a decent opportunity to move to the CRE lending side of the house, which lends for SASBs, balance sheet, and warehousing. 

Just wanted to get a sense for this group - I don't know how interested I'd be in moving to the buyside / development side from a role like this, but rather would be interested in staying put for some time. What is the typical worklife balance as an early associate and up? What skillset do you develop over time? What is the compensation like and what challenges do people typically face at various stages in their careers in CMBS / Balance Sheet / Warehouse lending?

One thing that comes to mind is that, like most banking roles, the underlying "grunt" work (in this case, U/W; in case of traditional IB, DCFs) takes a backseat as you move up the chain and it becomes more about client relationships and origination. Curious to hear how people adapt to that change, whether there's a certain personality that is needed, or if this is an industry that really rewards hard work / raw intelligence / grit. 

Thank you!