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The Examined Life

How do you survive working at a hedge fund? [Carrie Sun]

Nov 7, 2024
Carrie Sun, author of 'Private Equity' and former financial services professional, shares her journey from the high-pressure world of hedge funds to full-time writing. She dives into the intense expectations in finance, recounting late-night communications that fueled her burnout. Carrie discusses the emotional challenges of self-identity amid societal pressures, the importance of unstructured time for creativity, and the dark connections between trauma and capitalism in the industry. Her insights highlight the need for self-exploration amidst relentless ambition.
01:03:06

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Navigating the high-pressure culture of hedge funds can lead to burnout, as constant expectations create challenges in establishing personal boundaries.
  • Transitioning from finance to writing offered Carrie Sun a strategic way to realign her career with her true passion despite societal perceptions of success.

Deep dives

Navigating Expectations in the Finance World

Working at a hedge fund comes with unique challenges, particularly in adapting to the high-pressure culture. A key moment highlighted is receiving a personal email from the billionaire hedge fund founder, Boone, late at night, which set a tone of constant expectation and oversight. The expectation to promptly respond to all communications, regardless of the hour, created a sense of being perpetually tied to the job, making it difficult to establish personal boundaries. This dynamic exemplifies the demanding nature of hedge fund work, where even personal inquiries can morph into professional obligations.

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