Work-Life Balance at JPMorgan

Question

Hey all,

I’m currently preparing my applications for investment banking internships and strongly considering JPMorgan as one of my top choices. I’ve always been drawn to their reputation – strong deal flow, solid training, and what seems like a more grounded culture compared to some other bulge brackets.

That said, I know the hours in IB are rough pretty much everywhere, and I’m trying to go into this with my eyes open. I’ve heard that JPM is slightly better than places like Goldman or Morgan Stanley in terms of lifestyle, but I’m not sure how much truth there is to that or if it’s just recruiter talk.

I’m not expecting a 9to5 by any means, but I’d love to hear what the day-to-day actually looks like for analysts. Are the 90+ hour weeks still the norm? How bad are weekends?

Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who’s been through it recently – especially if you can share what helped you manage the hours and stay sane. I’m excited about the challenge, but also trying to be realistic.

Thanks in advance for any insights 🙏

Answer 1

Hey!

JPMorgan does have a reputation for being slightly more balanced compared to some of the other bulge brackets, but the reality is that investment banking anywhere will involve long hours, late nights, and weekend work when deals are active.

You should expect stretches that can hit 80–90 hours in a busy period, though there are also weeks where things ease up into the 60–70 range. The culture at JPMorgan is often described as professional and respectful, which can make the intensity easier to manage compared to environments that are more cutthroat. Analysts generally note that while the hours are demanding, the support system and resources in place do help.

What makes the biggest difference is how you manage your own time and mindset. Building small routines—like making sure you eat properly, fitting in short exercise sessions, or finding quick ways to recharge—helps you sustain energy.

Strong communication with your team is also key; being upfront about deadlines, priorities, and bandwidth can reduce unnecessary stress. If you go in with the expectation that hard work is part of the job, but also commit to managing yourself effectively, you’ll find the experience both challenging and rewarding. The hours are tough, but many analysts feel the steep learning curve and deal exposure at JPMorgan make the effort worthwhile.

Answer 2

IB at JPMorgan is still intense, but you’re right that the culture tends to be a bit more grounded and respectful, especially compared to some peer firms.

Hours: 75–90/week is typical, with peaks over 100 depending on deal flow and group. Weekend work happens, but many analysts report slightly more protected Saturdays and a stronger push toward sustainability in recent years.

That said, experience varies a lot by group and staffer. Some teams are more supportive, others old-school.

What helps: Build good relationships early, get fast at the basics (PowerPoint, Excel shortcuts), use any moments of recovery when the opportunity comes up (walks, workouts).

JPM gives you great training, strong exits, and solid culture. Just remember, it’s still IB. No free lunches, but it’s doable if you pace yourself and stay connected to why you're there.

Answer 3

Hey,
you’re definitely right to ask this before applying! JPMorgan is definitely a demanding place to work, and you should expect long hours similar to other bulge brackets – 70 - 90 hour weeks during busy times are still very common. That said, many people do find the culture a bit more grounded compared to GS or MS, though this varies a lot by group and team. Weekends aren’t guaranteed to be free, but there has been some effort to limit unnecessary weekend work. In the end, it’s not a 9 - 5 by any stretch, but if you manage your energy, build good relationships with your team, and set small routines for yourself, it’s doable and a great learning experience!