The notorious “80- to 100-hour workweek” is one of the most talked-about aspects of early investment banking roles. While it’s true that junior bankers often face long hours, the perception that you’ll never see daylight again is exaggerated.

Reality Check

• Peaks and Valleys: The toughest stretch usually hits first-year analysts and associates. They juggle multiple live deals, internal presentations, and client deliverables—often while still learning the ropes. But as you move into your second or third year, you gain efficiency and better manage your workload.

• Seniority Eases the Grind: VPs and Directors often leave the office earlier, balancing evenings with family or networking events. Their day may start just as early, and they remain “on call,” but the burden of nonstop pitchbook edits typically falls less on their shoulders.

• Unpredictability vs. Volume: One reason banks don’t simply hire more analysts is the unpredictable nature of client demands. Firms sell their time and attention, so if a client needs a valuation deck by morning, one dedicated banker can more reliably produce it than multiple people coordinating tasks in parallel.

📌Example: A late-night client email might require an urgent analysis of a competitor’s financials. The responsibility often lies with a single analyst or associate. Splitting the work among several team members might sound logical, but synchronization overhead can slow everything down and risk errors, making it more efficient for one person to own the project.