Who else is going crazy?

This has been talked about some already, but anyone else feel like they’ve become completely out of touch with reality since COVID? In my first year of IB, I went through periods of anxiety, depression, etc. This job unfortunately requires you to make personal sacrifices and I was able to handle decently well.

Over the last two months, I feel differently. I’m isolated in my room at my parents’ house. I’m so busy that I can’t see friends on the weekend, and they also barely text me anymore. I feel like I have no life outside of my job and days blur together. The unfortunate reality is my bank, while recognizable, does not even lead to great PE, HF, etc exit opps. Basically I have nothing lined up, there is no end in sight, and I’m really questioning wtf I’m even doing in this job. The only benefit I currently see is the pay, which is a terrible reason to go on with it.

I found finance/economics very interesting at a life level in college, so I focused on it. Now, I feel like I don’t have many options outside of it.

This is basically just a rant, but I wanted to see if other people are going through anything similar right now.

 
Most Helpful

There may be others who can provide more targeted advice, but I’ll start the conversation. First off, prioritize yourself: focus on your physical and mental health. If that means exercising, meditating, going on a run before work starts or taking a sabbatical to avoid any further health issues, do it. Second, although your bank may not provide a direct transition into private equity, there may be alumnis from your bank that made the jump that can provide some advice or insights. Additionally, I would also advise considering other pursuits for a better work-life balance. It sounds like you’re not pursuing fa higher salary, so it may be worth asking if you genuinely want to pursue another career that forces the same personal sacrifices. There are other careers in finance outside of the traditional route that can provide exciting careers. For instance, joining the corporate development team of a Fortune 500 comes to mind. It generally calls on the same skill set of IB, but it provides a better culture at a sightly discounted salary.

 

Omg I feel so sorry for you, especially since there are most likely tens of thousands of people dying to be in your position (high paying job and living with family). Omg, I am sorry about your tough life. 

 

So just because someone has a job, that doesn't mean they can feel stressed? What kind of logic is that?

 

The prisoners in Evin Prison (Iran) would probably have a similar description of their daily lives!   Save your $$ (prob not that hard right now) and remember there's a light at the end of the tunnel.  This is not forever.  $$ saved gives you options.  In a few months you'll probably be back in the office and things will become more normal

Try to get outside and get as much physical activity as you can, especially just being outside.  It's really important for depression to leave the house.

 

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