Young Money

Young Money follows eight entry-level Wall Street workers during their first two years in investment banking, from 2010-2013. The book chronicles their experiences at major firms like Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan through the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. Author Kevin Roose gained unprecedented access to these young bankers by building trust and maintaining their anonymity. The narrative tracks their professional and personal lives as they navigate grueling 100-hour workweeks, intense workplace pressure, and the cultural shift occurring within the finance industry. The book examines how elite college graduates are recruited into banking and what drives them to pursue or leave these coveted positions. Through interviews and observations, it documents the physical and psychological impacts of the banking lifestyle on recent graduates. Young Money reveals broader truths about ambition, privilege, and the evolving relationship between Wall Street and a new generation of workers. The book raises questions about the costs of career choices and the sustainability of Wall Street's traditional workplace model.

Readers found Young Money provided an insider view of Wall Street's entry-level workers, though some felt it focused too heavily on the negative aspects. Many noted the book succeeded at humanizing young bankers rather than demonizing them. Liked: - Clear, engaging writing style - Intimate details about analysts' daily lives - Balance between individual stories and industry context - Accurate portrayal of finance culture, according to former bankers Disliked: - Limited scope (only 8 subjects, all from top-tier banks) - Too much focus on partying/excess - Some repetitive descriptions of work hours and stress - Lack of deeper analysis of systemic issues Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (240+ ratings) "A truthful look at what young Wall Street really looks like" - Amazon reviewer "Could have dug deeper into the industry's problems instead of just documenting the lifestyle" - Goodreads reviewer

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🏦 Kevin Roose wrote this book by secretly shadowing eight entry-level Wall Street workers for three years, documenting their experiences during the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. 💼 The average first-year analyst on Wall Street works approximately 100 hours per week, often staying at the office until 2 or 3 AM and returning by 8 AM the next day. 📊 Despite starting salaries of $70,000-plus and substantial bonuses, nearly 50% of junior bankers leave the industry within three years of starting. 🎓 The author gained access to his subjects while working as a banking reporter for The New York Times and DealBook, deliberately seeking out young bankers closer to his own age (he was 26 when the book was published). 🏢 Many of the book's subjects reported developing health issues during their first year, including insomnia, weight gain, anxiety, and depression, leading several major banks to later implement "protected weekends" policies.