I’ve been in the hedge fund industry for a long time. More years than Icare to admit. During that time, I’ve heard some brilliant things (neverfrom myself). I’ve also heard some really, really stupid things like when people pitch a trade with a binary outcome, both sides of which just happen to be good for a stock. Theonething I’ve never heard somebody say? “That guy looks good for his age!” The fact is, no onein hedge funds looks good for their age. We all look ancient.
I used to be a beautifulman. The other evening Iwas looking back at some pictures of mebefore I got into theindustry. I saw somebody I didn’t recognize. At all. There was ayoung, fit, fresh-faced, pretty boy, who was upbeat and had his whole future aheadof him.
That person no longer exists. He died a long time ago.
When I look in the mirror now I seean old, beaten-down man. My skin is sallow. My eyes are sunken. My hair is receding. All that is flourishing is my gut.I needfewer donuts and a lot more exercise.
You could argue this is whateverybody experiences when they get older. True. But the hedge fund industryages you more than others.
Working at a hedge fund is stressful. Youhave billions of dollarsatrisk. Every day, something unexpected pops up.
It’s stressful trying tofigure out why you’re losing millions on a stock, when there’s no news.
It’s stressful when a stock you own makes a bad deal.
It’s even morestressful when a stock you’re short gets taken out. It’s stressful tryingto outsmart a bunch of other smart people, all the time.
All this stresstakes a toll on your health.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve met somebody, thinking that they were70, only to find out that they’re 50.
They say the camera adds 10 pounds?The hedge fund industry adds 10 years. I love my job, butI need plastic surgery, Botox, and a hair transplant. Truth.
Marginof Savingwas created by an analyst at a multi-billion dollar hedge fund to help others learn how to invest and save.
Photo byJosé DuarteonUnsplash
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