Going into IB "for the money"

I chose IB (in a decent EB) purely for money. I currently live in London. The city is insanely expensive (expected though). However, I have declined a good full-time AM role that paid significantly less, and currently overthinking it. Note that, for some reason, I can still accept the AM offer and start working next spring (it's complicated)

However, I just had my first tough week as an intern. It's not that I can't handle it; in fact, I am willing to overwork specifically because I have no social life. An analyst told me that I am a relief, because I learn quickly. But again, it's hitting me. Going for the money sounds extremely stupid, and it does matter. On the other hand, it feels like I should be compensating for all the years of isolation and actually start having a good life, but the more I think about it, the more apathetic I get.

The AM job pays less in base, but I can still manage everything. The bonuses, well, you know. I know I sound like a stupid little snowflake, but if you guys could give me your best advice, I would really appreciate that.

Thanks a lot.

9 Comments
 
Most Helpful

I think doing it for the money for 2-3 years is fine. It gives you a nice nest egg and allows you to make riskier plays in life that you otherwise wouldn't have done. I don't think deciding stay long term for the money is worth it though. That's when you see the stories of burn out, mid-life crisis, etc. 

Like the person above said, AM will still be an option after a 2 year IB stint

 

Molestiae est repudiandae quia vitae. Repellat fuga quaerat quo quasi nihil. Id consequatur aperiam nihil excepturi a.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 03 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (53) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (26) $182
  • Intern/Summer Associate (15) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”