Investment banking is famous for brutal hours — and the reputation is partly earned. Entry-level analysts often work 60–100 hours in peak weeks. But the reality varies by bank, desk and deal cycle. Here is the honest picture.
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What a Typical Day Looks Like
Analysts often start early, build decks and models, and respond to requests late into the night during live deals. Weekend work spikes when deadlines hit.
How Many Hours Really?
Quiet periods may run 50–60 hours weekly; deal sprints can hit 90–100. The average is high, and unpredictability wears people down more than the count.
Why Hours Are So Long
- Client demands and tight deadlines.
- Junior analysts absorb a huge workload.
- Competitive culture where output is king.
How to Manage Them
- Protect sleep and exercise as non-negotiables.
- Communicate workload honestly with your team.
- Use down periods to recover.
- Evaluate whether your specific desk/bank matches your endurance.
FAQ
Do all banks work the same hours?
No — boutiques and some banks run lighter; deal cycle, not bank size, drives the load.
Is it possible to have a life in IB?
Hard but possible with boundaries, especially after the analyst years.
Related: Are IB Jobs Remote? and IB Recruiting Season.