From Tennis Courts to Wall Street: Learning When to Leave

Vitoria Okuyama once thrived on the tennis courts, reaching a world ranking as a junior. Her success wasn't just limited to sports; she transitioned into the high-pressure world of investment banking at Citi. Yet, both paths ended in burnout.

Throughout her youth, Okuyama's prowess in tennis led her to prestigious events like the US Open and earned her a college scholarship. However, the sacrifices were steep. In banking, the more she excelled, the less she saw friends, often working until the early hours.

A Life on the Tennis Circuit

Growing up in Arapongas, Brazil, sports were integral to Okuyama's life. At ten, a friend's suggestion led her to tennis. Her talent quickly propelled her to regional competitions, then onto international stages.

At the age of 15, she faced a pivotal decision: continue her burgeoning tennis career or focus on academics at a new school. Choosing the former, she relocated to Curitiba, embracing a demanding training and competition schedule across continents. Her ranking soared to No. 118 globally for players under 18. But by 16, the intensity took its toll, and she realized that tennis might not fulfill her long-term career aspirations.

Tennis: A Means to an End

Competing in the US Open at 18 was a highlight, but the allure wasn't tennis itself; it was the journey and the places it took her. The financial independence she sought appeared through an educational scholarship from William & Mary in Virginia.

Adjusting to life in the U.S. proved challenging. Language barriers and cultural differences were daunting, but camaraderie with her diverse tennis team helped her persevere. Yet, the rigorous demands only deepened her anxiety and depression.

Banking: A New Arena, Similar Challenges

After college, Okuyama sought financial security in finance, an area suggested by her experienced peers. Interning at Brazilian banks led to a master's in finance and, eventually, a coveted analyst role at Citi in New York City.

Her work ethic was unmatched, diving headfirst into long, relentless hours. Unlike tennis, the lack of physical strain made identifying her limits trickier. Nine months in, exhaustion manifested as daily tears and panic attacks, a first for her.

Reaching Breaking Point

Feeling trapped, Okuyama informed her managers about her need to slow down. While they obliged, she still found herself ensnared by the system's pressures. Her status as a Brazilian immigrant compounded the difficulty of leaving the job.

A breakdown at the gym in late 2024 mirrored her teenage burnout. Seeking healing, she embarked on a retreat in Peru, reawakening her sense of self.

A New Chapter Begins

By June 2025, she formally left Citi, an act made risk-free by her recent marriage to an American. The end of her banking tenure felt like the closing of a significant chapter.

Though the experience of burnout was grueling, Okuyama views it as transformative. Her tenure taught her invaluable lessons about personal limits and priorities.

At 26, she's content, navigating a path led by curiosity. She works part-time at a startup and is involved with tech communities, allowing her the flexibility to explore new passions.

Advice for Others

For those experiencing burnout, Okuyama's insight is clear: allow yourself the necessary time to recover. Merely reducing workload wasn't enough for her; knowing when to fully step away was crucial.