How many investment bankers are happy? | Asim Qureshi posted on the topic | LinkedIn (2024)

Asim Qureshi

CEO JIBBLE | Now on X.com: @asimjibble

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I was recently asked if most investment bankers are actually happy. A pretty good question because for many it's a dream job.From my experience - and I spent 8 years in the industry, many of my friends are investment bankers - most are indeed deeply unhappy. Saying that, many will be happy once they’re out.Most dislike their job, it’s a grind, it’s hard work, it’s soulless. I mean everyone is frustrated at some level.And while the money is good it’s never enough. You might be making US$1m a year, but the guy 4 desks away is making US$3m.It’s like you want to get out, but you can’t - you’re addicted to your shot - that bonus. You need one more. And then one more after that. But you never get enough. Your $10m net worth isn’t enough because the guy 7 desks away from you has $30m.And you’re insecure. You know you’re not really worth US$1m a year - no other industry will pay you more than US$200k for the same level of skills - so you better stay put.I mean, everyone has their "number", that's the amount of money you need before you're out, as ultimately that's the dream of every investment banker - to not be one.On a superficial level there is a LOT going for investment bankers - money, respect, authority, bling, top restaurants, business or first-class flights. But it’s a trade - you get all this - you just need to give up one thing as part of the trade - your soul. And that’s a heavy price to pay for someone with a ton of options.

  • How many investment bankers are happy? | Asim Qureshi posted on the topic | LinkedIn (2)

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Arnav Gupta

Associate Consultant at Bain | VC | Public Equity

4mo

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That took a dark turn

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Naveed Iqbal

Opinions expressed are solely mine

4mo

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So there is no such thing as a soulful investment banker?

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Norman Yanuar

I help individuals and companies turn their strategies into reality | LinkedIn Top Voice | SVP at Saratoga

4mo

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Thanks for sharing your experience, Asim. I totally agree with your views. Similar to my management consulting experience, despite relatively higher earnings than other industries, many are unhappy due to the personal sacrifices involved. It's a trade-off, and everyone needs to know when it's 'enough.' The allure of bonuses and recognition comes at the cost of personal happiness and security.

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Harsh Shethia

Head of Startups at World Trade Hub | International Partner at WBAF | Revenue Led Growth | Drop me a DM if you want to take your Product Global with International GTM | Ex Paytm, J&J, Bisleri, Ah Ventures

4mo

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Being an investment banker can be a soul-crushing trade. The money and perks might seem enticing, but the happiness is fleeting. It's like selling your soul for shiny objects.

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James Umpleby - Indonesia C-Level Headhunter🎯

Indonesia Executive Search Specialist 💼 | MD & Owner of ProCapita - Indonesia's Premier Headhunter Agency 🥇| 1,000+ Executive Recruitment Hires Since 2014 ⚡| Passionate Gardener 👨🏻🌾

4mo

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Also incredibly long hours, especially when entering as a new rookie! But the big picture "rewards" are fantastic. I believe Investment Banking is a great career path for any ambitious smart individual. As it opens a Lot of longer term Career Doors 🚪. From a very early point in your career you are interacting with the movers and shakers of the corporate world. Gaining invaluable exposure and experience. It's obviously helped to take you to a good place Asim Qureshi ⚡

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Gaurav Gupta

4mo

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Wow, that's deep and hard hitting Asim Qureshi

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Vaibhav Gupta, FRM, SCR

Director, Sales Engineering | APMEA | FIS

4mo

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On this note, I would recommend reading ‘Monkey business: Swinging through the wallstreet jungle’ book

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Traction

4mo

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The price we pay for the price we deserve. Employee A is different from Employee B, what each one seeks to achieve is different. Their goals, work mantra, persona and benchmarks are different. Yet the comparative nature they imbibe inherently to outperform their current status is a play in itself. Which price are they picking?

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Ashutosh Shukla

Senior Analyst ( Product, Data , Infrastructure and HR system, Fintech system Analyst.

4mo

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Moral of the story - Nothing gives satisfaction to humans in life even if you are Elon Musk of the era 🙌

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