Hi everyone,
I know the hours in investment banking can be brutal, especially as a first-year analyst. I’m not expecting anything close to work-life balance, but I’d like to hear from people who’ve been through it what really helps you cope with 80-100 hour weeks without completely burning out? Are there specific routines, habits, or mindset shifts that made a difference for you?
Thanks in advance for any advice. I want to go in prepared and realistic.
Hi,
Really good that you’re thinking about this upfront. The hours are definitely intense, but there are ways to make it more manageable.
What helped me (and others I’ve seen get through it) was having a few basic things in place. First, routines help a lot! Even simple stuff like ordering dinner at the same time or blocking 15 minutes to walk outside when you can. Those little anchors make the week feel less like a blur.
Second, energy management over time management. You probably won’t control your schedule, but you can control what you do in the gaps. Quick workouts, decent food, power naps... Also, pick your battles. Not everything is worth perfection at 3am.
And honestly, mindset is huge. Knowing that it’s temporary, staying close with your analyst class, and keeping perspective helps more than any productivity hack. You’re not alone in it, and that really matters.
You won’t avoid the grind, but you can survive it without totally burning out and even grow a lot from it.
Hello,
I’ve been in your shoes, and honestly, nothing really prepares you for the shock of those first few months. For me, the hours in the first year were as rough as people say, but there are ways to make them survivable. What helped me most was lowering the pressure I put on myself outside of work. I stopped chasing the “perfect routine” and just focused on whatever small things gave me energy, whether that was a short walk in the sun, sneaking in a quick workout, or catching up with a friend on my commute.
As Rita wrote, mindset also plays a huge role. Once I stopped resisting the fact that the job is intense, it got easier. Telling yourself, “this is not forever” is surprisingly powerful. And having a support system of people who get it, like friends in banking or just people you can vent to, keeps you sane.
If you’re realistic, kind to yourself, and willing to find little wins each day, you’ll make it through. And the truth is, most people do. You come out tougher and more resilient than you thought possible.
Hey!
Surviving the long hours in investment banking requires a combination of mindset, organization, and self-care. Mentally, it helps to accept that the workload is intense and focus on the learning and career growth opportunities rather than the hours themselves.
Breaking tasks into manageable pieces and prioritizing high-impact work allows you to stay productive without feeling overwhelmed. Keeping a structured routine, even if it’s short bursts of exercise, healthy meals, or brief breaks, can help maintain energy and focus throughout the day.
Building support systems is equally important. Lean on teammates for guidance, share knowledge, and don’t hesitate to ask questions when stuck. Efficient time management, including batching repetitive tasks and using templates for modeling or presentations, can save hours over the week.
Finally, setting realistic boundaries outside of work where possible—such as scheduling family time, exercise, or hobbies—helps preserve mental health and prevent burnout. Over time, developing resilience and adapting to the pace becomes easier, and the long hours feel more manageable.
