Most people not in finance don’t realize this, but finance is as big and as diverse a field as medicine, or information technology. The working conditions and stress levels vary dramatically between jobs, and pay is only loosely correlated with the stress levels.
Investment banking is only one of many jobs available in the finance sector, but is usually considered the most grueling., and the hours can be endless. Most people burnout or are asked to leave before making it to partner level. It’s sad that this bright young man didn’t see a way out.
In contrast, many traders have basically 9-5 jobs (if they work the US stock markets). The markets open at 9:30 and close by 4PM, so there is only preparation and settlement work to be done before and after the markets close. Can be highly stressful during trading hours though.
People who work in areas like Private Equity, Venture Capital, or Investment Management can have stress levels that range from high to very low, depending upon the firm. I have a relatively stress free 8-5 job, but the work is wonderfully intellectually challenging.