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AIBU?

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Original poster

To admit I am not strong enough for my job?

30 replies

Hrapa · 14/01/2026 20:36

I work in investment banking. High salary but high stress and insane hours. Obviously.

Worked for years and years to get here but now that pay is getting serious at year 4, I just don’t think I can do it much longer. I am not strong enough to deal with the office politics and lack of control over my life.

I was working consistent 70 hour weeks and then 80 hours over Christmas with just Christmas Day off. Constantly “on”. I booked a lovely R&R trip to the Maldives. I spent 3/7 days working and the rest just stressed about the deals I was working on. Absolutely no respect for my holidays.

I think I’ve realised I’m just not strong enough.

OP posts:
SalmonOnFinnCrisp · 14/01/2026 20:43

I'm guessing you are making what 180k-300k?

Are you saving a large portion?
Is your lifestyle mega flash / high outgoings?

If so I'd start reigning that in.
Cancel the third space membership, move out of the 2.5k pm concierged apartment block.

You are obviously bright and theres a whole world out there.
With 4 yr ypu can def do a lateral move and still be making 100k or there abouts.

It has zero to do with being "strong" and everything to do with what you want for your life...
You dont sound like you "want this"... and who fucking would?
I certainly wouldn't and i work in in fairly high paid high pressured industry The role is challenging but its a 40-50 hr week and 6 weeks annual leave where I am not harassed per year.

Oakvales · 14/01/2026 20:43

NoSoupForU · 14/01/2026 20:40

Fucking hell. It isn't anything to do with strength, it's wanting to actually live!

This again . That's ridiculous, no money is worth that . And you are not even getting to enjoy the money .

DoubtfulCat · 14/01/2026 20:40

NoSoupForU · 14/01/2026 20:40

Fucking hell. It isn't anything to do with strength, it's wanting to actually live!

This.

NoSoupForU · 14/01/2026 20:40

Fucking hell. It isn't anything to do with strength, it's wanting to actually live!

bumptybum · 14/01/2026 20:38

It’s not about not being strong enough. It’s about the job being a poor fit for you.

you’ve got 4 years of experience. I’m not sure in what area but you can move into related jobs within finance that are nothing like you describe. Pay will be very good still. Maybe not 7 figures but still very very good