Looking for a deal-oriented role without the intense hours of investment banking?
Many of us drawn to finance can agree that the work investment bankers do is fascinating, even if it’s not a career we want to pursue long-term. Engaging in major deals and assisting companies with their most significant transactions can be incredibly intellectually rewarding.
However, when you’re clocking 80-100 hours a week, the excitement of the work quickly fades into a grind of energy drinks and sleepless nights just to keep up. That said, I’m curious if there’s a middle ground. Many other finance roles—such as commercial banking and wealth management—that offer better work-life balance often lack a significant focus on deals and seem less engaging compared to investment banking. But I could be mistaken—if anyone from CB or WM can weigh in, that would be great!
The only role that strikes me as a middle ground is corporate development, but those deals are usually infrequent in a company’s lifecycle. I’m wondering if the day-to-day responsibilities are still stimulating. I realize that these middle-ground roles might come with trade-offs (in terms of compensation, prestige, etc.), but I’d happily make those sacrifices for the sake of my mental and physical well-being. Personally, I consider anything under 60 hours a week to be a reasonable work-life balance.
I apologize if this topic has been discussed before, but I believe it’s valuable for those navigating their careers in finance. If you have experience in roles like this, please share your insights!
One response
Your post raises some important points about the balance between interesting work and work-life balance (WLB) in finance. It can indeed be tough to find a role that offers both intellectually stimulating projects and a manageable schedule.
Corporate development (corp dev) is certainly a strong candidate for that middle ground you’re seeking. While it’s true that the frequency of deals may vary, the work itself often includes strategic planning, market analysis, and integration efforts post-acquisition, which can be engaging. The focus is generally more on the long-term strategy of the company rather than just pushing through individual transactions, which can make it more fulfilling.
Another option to consider might be private equity (PE). While the hours can still be demanding, they tend to be more predictable compared to investment banking, and the work can be quite interesting as it involves evaluating companies, analyzing their potential for growth, and driving improvement strategies.
Additionally, roles in business analytics or financial planning & analysis (FP&A) can also strike a balance. These roles often involve strategic decision-making and financial modeling, providing a chance to get involved in the operational side of businesses without the extreme hours typical of IB.
Ultimately, it’s about finding a role that aligns not just with your interests but also your values regarding work-life balance and personal well-being. Networking and informational interviews can be invaluable in discovering pathways that meet these criteria. Good luck in your search!