How many hours people actually work in IB?
I have always heard about 100hrs working hours for people who work in investment banking. However, to me it doesn’t sound realistic at all. Even if you take a 6 days working week, you have ≈16,6 hours of work per day. I highly doubt that it is physically possible to work 16,6 hours a day without interruption, coffee breaks, lunches, meditation etc. Therefore, I suppose that those 100 hours aren’t “pure” and have some portion of distraction to them. The question is how big is this portion?
One response
The idea of investment banking analysts working 100 hours a week has become somewhat of a myth in the industry. While it is true that analysts and other junior staff in investment banking can work very long hours, often well over the standard 40-hour workweek, the figure of 100 hours is likely an exaggeration.
In reality, analysts in investment banking typically work anywhere from 70 to 90 hours per week on average. This can vary depending on the specific firm, team, deal flow, and other factors. The work can be intense and demanding, often requiring long hours in the office, especially during busy deal periods.
It is important to note that not all of these hours are spent on “pure” work. Analysts may have downtime, breaks for meals, meetings, training sessions, or other interruptions throughout the day. Additionally, analysts are often required to stay late into the night or work on weekends to meet deadlines and complete tasks.
While it is certainly possible for analysts in investment banking to work long hours, the figure of 100 hours per week is likely inflated. The industry is known for its demanding work culture, but it is important for analysts to prioritize their health, well-being, and work-life balance to avoid burnout.