Investment banking is notoriously tough, but must operate within accepted rules and norms within a regulated framework. You will find that this firm has historically been a revolving door of former employees and associates. It is the result of natural ups and downs in the industry and sector, but mostly to an inconsistent and sometimes intimimidating management style and culture, which has bordered on emotionally and mentally abusive communication patterns. More importantly, employee contracts and agreements are, understatedly, not solid. On deals you are contractually eligible to be compensated for, you may not receive any deal or fee sheets (even if you ask for them), making it impossible to know what amount you will get paid (or not) or if you are getting compensated according to to your executed contract. In other words, you will get paid or not according to what senior management wants you to get paid. Because you may also have a pipeline of other deal opportunities that you have worked diligently on and are entitled to get paid on in the near future, you are severely limited or even trapped in your recourse with senior management. Together, the emotional intimidation and contractual "ambiguity" create an obviously stressful and intolerable situation and work environment.
