Is Investment Banking Tied to Poor Health?

Thinking about a career in investment banking?  Make sure to take care of yourself!  A recent study by the University of Southern California determined that investment banking is correlated to insomnia, alcoholism, heart palpitations, eating disorders, and an explosive temper.   The study’s researcher shadowed about 25 entry-level investment bankers, from the time they graduated from business school, to ten years out.  Within a few years, every individual developed either a physical or emotional illness while banking.  One of the main factors that may be contributing to this outcome is the long hours investment bankers have.  In the first year, many (or most) bankers spend 100 hours a week in the office.  By the sixth year, the researcher determined that 60% of those observed were still struggling with their health in some capacity, while 40% had learned to make their health a priority.  Investment banking is certainly not a career for the faint of heart—if you decide on that career path, be sure to be cognizant of your health!