I have heard that investments bankers work 80 hour weeks. Is this true?

Prepwise AnswersCategory: Finance CareersI have heard that investments bankers work 80 hour weeks. Is this true?
Career Dev Staff Staff asked 8 years ago
Career Dev Staff Staff replied 7 years ago

The hours that investment bankers work depends heavily on the bank, the team, and the pressures at any given time. Though, it is to be expected that investment bankers will work over 70 hours a week on average.

3 Answers
Greston Wise Staff answered 8 years ago

Echo the above, I’ve heard triple digits on bad weeks, and any week where they’re out Friday at 9pm is a blessing

Kate McKeon Staff answered 8 years ago

Yes this is very true. Some even work 90-100 hours per week.

Most junior bankers will tell you that the worst thing about the banking lifestyle is not the number of hours required per se, but the unpredictability to those hours. Said differently, that you have NO control over your life, as you are expected to be reachable at all time, day and night. This lack of control makes it extremely difficult to schedule time to see friends and family. Analysts and Associates find themselves routinely having to cancel dinner plans, weekend plans and even vacations at the last minute. Many bankers, after a few months on the job cease scheduling events altogether, for fear of having to cancel.

Career Dev Staff Staff answered 7 years ago

The hours that investment bankers work depends heavily on the bank, the team, and the pressures at any given time. Though, it is to be expected that investment bankers will work over 70 hours a week on average.