The Journey of Vitoria Okuyama: From Tennis to Investment Banking and Back
Vitoria Okuyama, a 26-year-old former world-ranking junior tennis player and investment banking analyst, has experienced burnout in two vastly different careers. Her story offers a unique perspective on the challenges of high-pressure environments and the importance of knowing when to walk away.
Early Career in Tennis
Okuyama grew up in Arapongas, a small city in Brazil, where she played sports extensively. At the age of 10, a friend introduced her to tennis, and she quickly showed promise. By the time she was 15, she had to choose between pursuing a tennis career or transferring to a better high school. She opted for the global experience, moving to Curitiba to join a tennis club that provided coaching and sponsorship.
She trained six hours a day while studying part-time, competing in tournaments across South America, Europe, and Africa. In 2017, she reached No. 118 in the world for under-18s. However, by 16, she felt burned out and realized tennis wasn’t the path she wanted to take long-term. While she enjoyed doubles, singles left her anxious and often crying before matches. What kept her going was the thrill of travel.
Transition to Education and Financial Independence
At 18, Okuyama competed in the US Open girls’ singles, which she considered a major milestone. The real driver, however, was the opportunity to travel. A coach from the College of William & Mary offered her a scholarship, which she accepted to secure financial independence through education.
Moving to the US in 2017 was a significant culture shock. Her English was limited, and she felt isolated at first. However, the tennis team became a support system, helping her feel at home. Despite the challenges, she pushed through until she was 22, ignoring the signs of burnout and shutting down her emotions.
Shift to Investment Banking
After college, Okuyama was determined to achieve financial independence. She interned at banks in Brazil during summers and later pursued a Master’s in Finance at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. A mentor connected her with an associate at Citi, leading to a full-time job as an investment banking analyst.
In July 2022, she moved to New York City, eager to learn and excel. She worked from 10 a.m. until 4 a.m. for months, pushing herself without pacing. Unlike tennis, where physical limits were clear, the burnout in banking was less obvious. After nine months, she began experiencing daily crying spells and panic attacks.
Breaking Point and Recovery
In October 2024, Okuyama broke down at the gym, crying without an apparent trigger. This mirrored her previous burnout at 16. In January 2025, she took a 13-week leave of absence and attended an ayahuasca retreat in the Peruvian Amazon. The experience helped her reconnect with herself and gain clarity about her future.
She eventually left her job in June 2025, nearly three years after starting. A month later, she married an American citizen, no longer needing a work visa. Her journey was challenging, but she learned valuable lessons about self-awareness and recovery.
Lessons Learned and Future Plans
Okuyama now works part-time at a startup and is on a fellowship with Fibe, a community for tech founders and professionals. She continues to explore what truly interests her, embracing curiosity and freedom.
Her advice to others experiencing burnout is to allow time for full recovery. For her, the only way to heal was to know when to stop.
