How to avoid work taking over your personality?

Been all about grinding out for work that I think I neglected on myself ( no dating/girls etc). Was talking for the first time in a while with a close friend and all of a sudden I could not make conversation on things that wasn't finance-related. 

That sudden realization disgusted me. What can I do to regain/develop my personality again? 

 
[Comment removed by mod team]
 
Most Helpful

You actually don't have to be interesting at all if you just learn how to listen more than you talk and how to ask good questions. Your average boring guy loves to go down a list of biographical Q&A (where did you go to school, where do you live in the City, etc.). You can lead with something like that if you want, but if you ask interesting follow-ups (why you did / think this, what you like about XYZ, etc.) that go beyond surface-level info your conversation and relationships can really open up. 

If you listen to good journalists, you can get a sense for how to ask open-ended questions that will actually prompt an interesting response. Doesn't have to feel like an NPR-style formal interview either... this is going to sound ridiculous but in all honesty the Pardon My Take guys are excellent at doing this while also still coming across as genuine / normal people you'd want to hang out with. 

I'm a people person but hate talking about myself. My philosophy is I already know everything I'm going to say, I'd rather ask someone something interesting and learn a bit more about their life, industry, worldview, etc. So you get to pick up new tidbits (which ultimately make you more interesting, btw!) with the side effect of appearing super down-to-earth and engaged by the other party. 

 
[Comment removed by mod team]
 

Sneak in time for yourself whenever you can, even if it’s just 10 minute here or there. Could be as simple as checking sports highlights, playing the keyboard with headphone on past midnight, read some comics, go for a weekend swim/jog/bike session, sketch the cityscape, whatever floats your boat. 

VP
 

Et est vel sed. Id facere error voluptatem nemo sint veniam repellendus harum. Qui doloribus sapiente animi repellat eum. Omnis rerum at aut et optio qui saepe.

Commodi ut totam rerum quia quasi non est. Quia nihil numquam sint aspernatur non. Maxime repudiandae neque perferendis molestiae.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $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...”