Pros
Work smarter not harder is greatly rewarded. There is a strong work life balance, but you have to be able to manage your time and your relationships. For reviews complaining it’s too intense, either your workload is imbalanced or you need to build skills to handle it. The EA jobs are relatively easy, the volume can be intense sometimes, if you’re working late can claim overtime hours/benefits so there’s a chance to earn more money. This is the easiest job I’ve had and the most rewarding, and I work 35-45 hours a week. The PE team works substantially harder than most anyone else, and they reap the rewards heavily….after pledging a few years of allegiance. Still, they only work late nights some times but not all. The firm rewards people at all levels with opportunities to grow and perks that can’t be beat, and it is still under 1000 people so everyone mostly knows everyone. If you’re upset about something or see a way to improve something, speak up and find a way to fix it. Everyone is pleasant and receptive.
Cons
Pay at first was bad, but with very hard work for 1-2 years, you can climb the ladder and reap benefits. Just takes a little elbow grease. Sometimes the speed of deals creates jams, but that’s a part of how growing businesses work, and if you’re not growing you’re failing. There are a handful of bad apples that tend to get managed out, and some snobs, but overall extremely diverse for a finance firm.