Departing JPMorgan After 14 Years: Why Burnout Is More Than Just the Bank's Fault

I grew up in the idyllic coastal town of Maceió, Brazil, never dreaming of working at a powerhouse like JPMorgan. However, life took an unexpected turn when, after four years at the Brazilian Financial and Capital Markets Association, a colleague suggested I join him at JPMorgan. I began my journey as an analyst at their São Paulo office when I was just 24.

The opportunity seemed surreal, given my previous failure to land an internship with the bank. Roughly a year into my tenure, a charismatic woman with a distinctly Spanish accent and vibrant wardrobe caught my eye. Her energy was magnetic; she ended up being not only my mentor but also my direct manager for over a decade. Our partnership was a turning point in my career.

We earned the nickname 'the cowgirls'—two foreigners carving a niche in the US bank's Latin American markets typically dominated by men.

JPMorgan was instrumental in shaping my professional identity. Their training programs covered a broad range of topics, from American business protocols to advanced language skills and technical training. Adapting these American strategies to a Brazilian context was challenging but essential.

My mentor and I often felt like outsiders, yet we brought fresh approaches and ideas that were both supported and resisted within the company. The initial 15 minutes of each interaction were crucial for establishing my credibility.

As a petite, young blonde navigating a male-centric trading floor, I often faced skepticism about my abilities. To counter this, I temporarily wore glasses post-laser surgery to appear more seasoned.

Navigating Workplace Challenges

Collaborating with various financial entities in Brazil involved joining male colleagues in social activities like barbeques and golf. Initially, business travel felt exhilarating, taking me from domestic trips to international destinations.

Though I adhered to a nine-to-seven workday (with some late nights), travel's demands became overwhelming. This schedule strained my six-year relationship and resulted in me missing significant personal milestones.

Despite the generous salary, I had little time for personal activities, leading to weekend sports binges and expensive relaxation attempts through spa visits and acupuncture.

The Allure and Pressure of Success

Achieving professional milestones at JPMorgan was intoxicating. The thrill of winning new clients made late-night approvals worthwhile, but increased success also attracted scrutiny over whether we were overextending ourselves. Recognition left minimal room for error.

Relocating to New York as a Vice President in 2019 propelled me from familiar waters to a high-stress environment, only for the pandemic to quickly shift me to Miami. Commuting between these locations became unfeasible, prompting the bank to mandate a full return to New York or relocation.

Feeling drained, I explored roles in private banking in London, hoping to regain balance. Despite feelings of disloyalty to my mentor, I knew I did not aspire to her senior role or the associated lifestyle.

Burnout and Realization in London

Burnout symptoms emerged before my London move, with a panic attack in December 2022 during a significant deal. Personal relationships suffered, and I feared missing another Christmas with family.

This episode made clear the need to reassess. While the bank imposed unending tasks, setting my limits was my responsibility, albeit in a culture where seeking help is often stigmatized.

London's transition in 2023 was a shock; colder climates, insular societies, and vanishing work fulfillment left me drained and alone. Therapeutic sessions over a year led to the realization that banking no longer fulfilled me.

Decision time came abruptly in 2024 when I abruptly resigned, assuming accountability for my burdens rather than solely faulting management.

Finding a New Path

Post-resignation, I was adrift without a clear career path. Six months of travel and self-discovery were necessary to redefine who I was beyond 'JPMorgan employee.'

Reflecting on my substantial professional journey, I have no regrets about my long tenure. Despite its challenges, the experience pushed me to excel and continuously adapt.

Now, residing predominantly in Miami, I am the CEO of a consulting venture aimed at helping founders and small businesses, where I still happily recommend JPMorgan as a resourceful partner.