CRE Analysts (Acquisitions/AM/PM) Work-Life Balance, Stress &amp; Happiness
Hi, I’m working currently as a Data Analyst and planning to transition to an entry-level CRE Investment role. I’m curious about subjective W/L balance experiences from those in the field.

How many hours/week do you work? How stressful your job is? How happy you are at your workplace/in life (talk colleagues, time for hobbies/family).

Thanks for any insights!
[{"id": "iie9kbs", "text": "Depends. Acquisitions side is roller coaster from very busy to suddenly quiet, but quiet is still a 40 hour work week. AM is more stable of 40 -50 hours and always busier during budget season. PM is always busy and available after hours for emergencies like fires, floods, crime etc. all are rewarding careers and very different. Higher earning. Potentiometer on acquisitions side because deal makers always make the most.", "replies": [{"id": "iiek69q", "text": "Thanks!\n\nI\u2019m really interested in a path that will equip me with a highly entrepreneurial skillset on the way. I\u2019ve developed a passion for coliving/coworking after experiencing an amazing student accommodation during my university times (and several other realisations happening in the meantime). My goal is to engage with this type of RE from the investment perspective throughout my career and then try to create something on my own at some point.\n\nConsidering this context which CRE investment directions are worth exploring in your opinion?", "replies": [], "depth": 2}, {"id": "iienwiz", "text": "I\u2019d recommend acquisitions or loan origination\u2018s. Both are dealmaking career paths and financially rewarding.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "iieet6o", "text": "If you are really going to be successful on the acquisitions side it has to be an obsession. 95/5 work life balance but the rewards are worth it", "replies": [{"id": "iieizvt", "text": "Concrete, akin to investment banking. I find certain branches of RE very exiting. I\u2019m ready to put in the work but care more about health than money. One reason why I\u2019m diverting away from data analysis is to spare my eyes. I\u2019m happy to average 60h weeks if a significant part of the work entails working with people. \n\nWhat amount of \u201canalytical\u201d (read sitting in front of a screen) to \u201cpeople\u201d work can an entry level analyst in acquisitions expect? How long do you sleep on average?", "replies": [{"id": "iiel4iu", "text": "I should have been more specific. Our analysts work typical 9-5 and need to be accessible always.\n\nIf your on the actual sourcing / developer side , expect no balance at all", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "iif81rs", "text": "I work in REPE acquisitions and average about 50 hours a week. Sometimes it\u2019s 30 and sometimes 60. All depends on the deals and the capital markets", "replies": [{"id": "iifct0b", "text": "Thanks! That\u2019s encouraging to hear and the hours sound so reasonable. I\u2019m planning to start my CRE career in London and maybe transition to CEE several years later (closer to the motherland). I hear a lot about the risk of getting anchored location-wise when pursuing a deal/transaction-oriented career in CRE. Do you maybe know whether the same risk is present Europe? How does it look in your region?", "replies": [{"id": "iige6t3", "text": "Not sure about the locations stuff. My firm is based in a large city in the southeastern USA, but we still make acquisitions in the UK and all over the US. I think the risk of getting a anchored geographically is less now than it was 20 years ago.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "iigeb0o", "text": "There are plenty seven figure producers putting in less than 50 per week. Pretty sure every principal in my company is less than 50 and we\u2019re up there and have options. Of 15 of us, 5-7 usually are in the 7 figure production consistently. We\u2019re almost all under 50 years old.\n\nPrioritize balance and work hard on the front end so that you can stick around till you don\u2019t want to anymore. Obviously have a subtle e-mail addiction but I have been able to resist opening my computer while at home in general. Four kids\u2026 way more important than everything else More time does not mean more money. Get in get out get on with your life. \n\nBtw hang in there first years are almost always the hardest but a necessary chapter in the story. You gotta put it in right now. Good luck.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]