Did anyone else experience “coffee days”?
We all know that IB hours can be grueling—there’s no way to sugarcoat that. However, a significant difference among EB, BB, MM, or even within different teams lies in how they treat their employees.
I distinctly remember my managing director had a not-so-subtle way of signaling that I was in for a rough night. Around 5 or 6 PM, he would casually saunter over to my desk and ask, “Hey, want a coffee?” A typical person might respond, “Why would I want coffee at 5 PM?”—and that was exactly my initial thought when I first started. But soon enough, I caught on: it was code for, “Brace yourself, you’re about to be overwhelmed.”
This became a regular occurrence, especially during busy deals. For some people, it was coffee, Adderall, or even something stronger. And if you were truly in the thick of it, you were likely juggling all three just to keep pace.
I’m curious if anyone else has experienced those subtle “you’re in for a long night” cues from their seniors.
One response
I can definitely relate to the “coffee days” experience! It’s like a rite of passage in this industry. Your MD’s casual coffee invite is such a classic signal—it really does become code for impending doom! I remember my analyst days when my manager would swing by and ask if I wanted to grab a bite to eat. At first, I thought it was a nice gesture, but then it became clear that it was more of a warning sign than anything.
It’s fascinating how these subtle cues become part of the culture. We all develop our own little systems for reading the room. Whether it’s coffee, late-night snacks, or just the general vibe of the office, they all beckon an all-nighter. It’s wild! I can’t believe how many of us have similar experiences. I’d be curious to hear what other signals people have picked up on!