Imagine dedicating your life to a career solely for the paycheck, only to realize it’s slowly draining your soul. That’s exactly what happened to Vitoria Okuyama, a former Citi investment banking analyst who burned out at just 24 years old. Her story isn’t just about long hours and unfulfilling work—it’s a stark reminder of the high price we pay when we chase money at the expense of our well-being. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is it ever truly worth sacrificing your mental health for a high-paying job? Let’s dive in.
Burnout is no stranger to the banking industry. With grueling schedules and work that often feels devoid of purpose, it’s no wonder many find themselves questioning, ‘What am I even doing this for?’ If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone. Join the conversation in our anonymous community by eFinancialCareers and share your thoughts.
In a candid interview with Lazo Cetnik, CEO of Pretraga Partners, on the Merger Talks podcast, Okuyama opened up about what drove her to finance. It all started at 17, when she qualified for the US Open in tennis but couldn’t attend because she lacked the funds. ‘I never wanted money to hold me back again,’ she explained. At the time, investment banking seemed like the fastest route to financial freedom. ‘It was all about the money,’ she admitted. ‘I didn’t care what it took.’
Okuyama’s journey is particularly striking because she was once a world-ranked tennis player, peaking at 118th globally. But without the financial means to pursue her passion, she turned to banking as her only viable option. The transition, however, came at a steep cost. The hours were relentless—often stretching from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. for months on end. And this is the part most people miss: burnout didn’t happen overnight. It crept in slowly, like a frog in gradually heating water, until it boiled over.
After a brief trip home to Brazil for Carnival, Okuyama returned to an even more brutal workload: three months of 18-hour days, starting just hours after a red-eye flight. For her, burnout manifested as aggression toward loved ones, confusion about her own behavior, and eventually, panic attacks. ‘I should have taken time off sooner,’ she reflected. ‘You can’t just snap back to normal once you cross that line. You need to stop, recover, and repair—not rebuild.’
Her recovery journey took an unconventional turn, leading her to Peru, where she explored yoga and Ayahuasca. Despite her efforts, she was denied a promotion to associate at Citi and eventually left banking to become an influencer. Is this a happier ending? Or just a different kind of hustle?
Okuyama’s story raises a bold question: Are high-paying careers worth the toll they take on our mental health? And if not, what’s the alternative? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate. Just remember, comments are moderated, so keep it respectful. But don’t hold back on the tough questions. After all, this is a conversation we all need to have.
