http://mentalhealthdaily.com/2015/01/06/top-11-professions-with-highest-suicide-rates/
Sounds like you should “think long and hard” about all these elite and non-elite paths?
Certainly the high stress environment of IB could contribute to someone committing suicide, but it is hardly the sole conspirator. Those who commit suicide likely have other things going on that are either untreated or unknown. Of course, every single suicide is very sad and more efforts should be made by everyone to prevent them.
However, this is not like child labor in a third world country, anyone can leave whenever the pressure gets too much. If you remember these are our best and brightest we are talking about. And guess what? IB is a breeding ground for all sorts of other companies that don’t work you like dogs. Former IB analysts and associates are often sought for very good jobs in other areas that only require 55-60 hrs a week, instead of 90. Plus, many young adults use their IB experience to make connections that will help them with jobs for the rest of their careers.
There is no mystery about this profession where you sign up and then say “OMG, they are working me so hard, and I can’t take it” - everyone knows what they are getting into from day one. For some people, that is their decision and what they want to do for a host of reasons. And there is a reason that only a few rise to the top, and most players get weeded out to other professions.
^^Good post Cameron. My older child, who just graduated from a top college in May but not Ivy League (Tufts) got his first job with one of these companies listed and began as an analyst. He works in Boston, maybe much less stressful than NY? I hope. He also works “only” 50 hours a week but says it may be a “bit more” between @ November and February or so. Still, He doesn’t want Wall Street or the stress. He’s happy doing what he’s doing, but still has plenty of time for a “life outside of work”. For now anyway, it’s still a first job and he’s only been there 4 months.
People need to know their limits. Don’t go into these high stress careers if you can’t handle it. I thought the medical career would be stressful for me and I never did follow through. I love learning the material though.