Hello Wilmott careers forum posters...How do you cope with life as a quant?

Balance the life of mathematical equations, C++, and very dense reading material with poetry, art, music, arguments, and games.Come visit us in the OT, just don't stay too long, as it can be hazardous to your productivity.

QuoteOriginally posted by: EscapeArtist999Hello Wilmott careers forum posters...How do you cope with life as a quant?I have been there - the depression I mean. Although I am not completely full of life I am doing better. Make sure to have some friends, even if you are married. People whom you can call or meet for lunch or dinner once at least a week. I also went to gym and still do almost every day, even if it is for just 20 mins. Just run or bike in the gym if you can't go out because of weather. It is better to lift heavy weights though because it strains your muscles and can make you feel better about yourself.Eat well, I am not kidding. Eat plenty of fruits, salad, soup and fresh sandwich. Try avoiding pizza etc or other high carb food. I also noticed that coffee helps out of depression but only 1-2 cups a day. Better to switch to tea than coffee. Avoid hard drinks.If you have a job then you already have a routine. In my case I was looking for a job and it made my life worse. But eventually I decided to be part of some work like research at local university for free. I would go to the publich library and spend 4-6 hours every day as if I am at work. It just helps to see people around you. Good luck and keep visiting wilmott. Lastly, yes trackstar is right - have something to do that occupies your mind differently. Even watching a comedy TV show from 80s can be good. I subscribed to NEtflix and am amazed at the kind of videos that I could get from 60s till now.

QuoteOriginally posted by: iliketopologyQuoteOriginally posted by: EscapeArtist999Hello Wilmott careers forum posters...How do you cope with life as a quant?I have been there - the depression I mean. Although I am not completely full of life I am doing better. Make sure to have some friends, even if you are married. People whom you can call or meet for lunch or dinner once at least a week. I also went to gym and still do almost every day, even if it is for just 20 mins. Just run or bike in the gym if you can't go out because of weather. It is better to lift heavy weights though because it strains your muscles and can make you feel better about yourself.Eat well, I am not kidding. Eat plenty of fruits, salad, soup and fresh sandwich. Try avoiding pizza etc or other high carb food. I also noticed that coffee helps out of depression but only 1-2 cups a day. Better to switch to tea than coffee. Avoid hard drinks.If you have a job then you already have a routine. In my case I was looking for a job and it made my life worse. But eventually I decided to be part of some work like research at local university for free. I would go to the publich library and spend 4-6 hours every day as if I am at work. It just helps to see people around you. Good luck and keep visiting wilmott. Lastly, yes trackstar is right - have something to do that occupies your mind differently. Even watching a comedy TV show from 80s can be good. I subscribed to NEtflix and am amazed at the kind of videos that I could get from 60s till now.You forgot to mention my vinegar piece of advise...

Try yoga, especially the transcendental meditation practiced by Buddhist, Chinese and Hindu monks. You don't need to go that far; might find something at your local place. If it is place like Berkeley or NYC, am almost +ve.

QuoteOriginally posted by: Anthis You forgot to mention my vinegar piece of advise...Very unreasonable of me. Yes vinegar helps. I am quite defiant yet nervous as a personality. I took Anthis's suggestion especially when I was leaving my last job - almost every day I had several tea spoons. It helps in digestion too

On something relatively related to this topic: How do you guys get enough time to go to the gym, or go to a movie, etc (during week days)? Also how can you cope with the inevitable sleepiness and physical tiredness at work while you work around 12 hours a day!?I have successfully managed to reduce my sleeping hours to six and a half, after so many years getting used to a flexible lifestyle. However, I now really feel tired and sleepy in the afternoons and am not still quite confident how to manage my time when I get a quant job. I'd also like to spend an hour in the pool and another couple of hours cooking, reading etc after work, but its seems like I'll have to say goodbye to all these good habits?

QuoteOriginally posted by: FalsePositiveOn something relatively related to this topic: How do you guys get enough time to go to the gym, or go to a movie, etc (during week days)? Also how can you cope with the inevitable sleepiness and physical tiredness at work while you work around 12 hours a day!?I have successfully managed to reduce my sleeping hours to six and a half, after so many years getting used to a flexible lifestyle. However, I now really feel tired and sleepy in the afternoons and am not still quite confident how to manage my time when I get a quant job. I'd also like to spend an hour in the pool and another couple of hours cooking, reading etc after work, but its seems like I'll have to say goodbye to all these good habits?Going to movie on a weekday is not possible. But you can manage your sleep in the noon.Eat less carb food in the afternoon. More of soup and salad or sandwich without fat, which would include pork , meat, and so on. Cut down on coke, drink water more which also makes you go to the restroom frequently and gets you to walk around.

QuoteOriginally posted by: FalsePositiveOn something relatively related to this topic: How do you guys get enough time to go to the gym, or go to a movie, etc (during week days)? Also how can you cope with the inevitable sleepiness and physical tiredness at work while you work around 12 hours a day!?I have successfully managed to reduce my sleeping hours to six and a half, after so many years getting used to a flexible lifestyle. However, I now really feel tired and sleepy in the afternoons and am not still quite confident how to manage my time when I get a quant job. I'd also like to spend an hour in the pool and another couple of hours cooking, reading etc after work, but its seems like I'll have to say goodbye to all these good habits?You can still do 10 min of trademill and 10 mins of cycling even if you work for 12 hours, you can do that after you finish your work. Mental work is not physically tiring its just a pyschological habit that you have developed that after work you just want to cool off on bed.

1) run 2 miles on the treadmill immediately after waking up -- it's easier to run in morning than after work.2) drink some energy drinks3) drink at least one pot of coffee a day4) be sure to have a heart defribillator at your desk and teach your coworkers how to use it -- just in case.a group of guys in my office go to happy hour 3 times a week, drink several pints, have a burger, then come right back to work, fully refresh for another 3 hours.

You guys are right, it's just I can't see my way out of this quant nightmare... It is like working in your own grave. I applied to 4 MBA programs this year and got rejected from all of them - even my PhD alma mater - it is soooo depressing....

well, whenever there is a down trend in the economy ppl w/o jobs will normally extend their studies for a year or so. Most of the friends I know are trying to do this.

why is your quant job a nightmare?wouldn't mba programs be eager to get someone wiht a phd and financial experience?just curious

have a drink in the morning, one at lunch, and then another one when you get home. you'll feel constantly greeeat!

Have you tried the strippers? Much more effective than the doctors or medicines or shrinks.