IB/PE Lifers, Was It Worth It?

You're starting again as a university freshman with the knowledge of the industry you have now. Do you go down this path again? 


It'd be appreciated if you touched on starting a family, missed life events, etc.
 

Sorry for the repost but the automod moved my thread.

 

Based on the WSO threads, many industry veterans have shared mixed feelings about their long-term careers in Investment Banking (IB) and Private Equity (PE). Here are some key insights:

  1. Financial Rewards: The financial compensation in IB and PE is often very high, which can be a significant motivator. Many professionals in these fields are able to secure a comfortable lifestyle and a solid financial future early in their careers.

  2. Work-Life Balance: This is one of the most frequently cited challenges. The demanding hours in IB and PE can lead to missed personal events and strained relationships. Many professionals reflect on the impact of their career choices on personal life, including starting a family and attending significant life events.

  3. Professional Fulfillment: Some find the work intellectually stimulating and rewarding. The challenge of closing deals, growing companies, and the dynamic nature of the work can be very fulfilling.

  4. Long-Term Perspective: With the benefit of hindsight, some might choose a different path due to the personal sacrifices required. Others feel that the skills and financial rewards they gained were worth the trade-offs.

  5. Alternative Paths: There's a recognition that there are many paths to success and personal fulfillment outside of the high-pressure environments of IB and PE. Some might consider less demanding roles in finance or roles that offer a better balance of personal and professional satisfaction if they were to start over.

In conclusion, whether to choose this path again would depend heavily on personal values and priorities, particularly regarding work-life balance and personal relationships versus professional and financial achievements.

Sources: Seeking Advice - How to recover from being kicked out, MF PE is Paradise...LOL, For seniors who have spent your career in private equity, do you regret it?, PE long-term attractivity: Is the trodden path "broken"? Quo vadis gen Y?, What was the point of Ivy League? Major Regret and Depression

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Yes - if you like investing. Early years are tough. Becomes more manageable as you get more senior. Key is to find a supporting partner in life who is on the same page as priorities. 

 

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