Investment Bankers Make 200k+ Yearly, Yet Most Are Severly Depressed

Finance is known for its high salaries, prestige, and competitive career opportunities. Less often discussed is the mental toll that can accompany those rewards. Long hours and constant pressure have become defining characteristics of many front-office finance roles, particularly in investment banking.

The Reality Behind the Hours

Junior investment bankers regularly work “70 to 90 hours per week”, and during live transactions, weeks exceeding 100 hours are still common despite industry efforts to improve work-life balance. Recent surveys found that many junior bankers report little improvement in working hours, with over 30% saying they regularly work more than “81 hours per week”.

The consequences extend beyond fatigue. Deloitte's Workplace Burnout Survey found that “77% of professionals have experienced burnout at their current job”, while 64% report feeling stressed frequently. Among those surveyed, 91% said excessive workplace stress negatively affected the quality of their work, and 83% said it harmed their personal relationships.

More broadly, Deloitte's 2024 workplace well-being research found that 52% of employees frequently feel exhausted, 49% frequently feel stressed, and 43% frequently feel overwhelmed, with heavy workloads and long hours identified as the leading barriers to well-being.

Why People Still Choose Finance

Despite these challenges, finance remains one of the most sought-after industries. The compensation is exceptional, the learning curve is steep, and the exit opportunities into private equity, hedge funds, venture capital, and corporate leadership are difficult to match.

For many professionals, the demanding early years are viewed as an investment in future career opportunities rather than a permanent lifestyle.

Are You Cut Out For It?

A career in finance can be incredibly rewarding, but it also demands resilience. Before pursuing Wall Street, understand both the financial upside and the personal cost. Long-term success depends not only on technical skills, but also on your ability to manage stress and maintain a healthy balance outside of work.