Valuation Partner Career?

Based on the most helpful WSO content, your friend's situation seems to be a classic trade-off between work-life balance (WLB), compensation, and career trajectory. Here's a breakdown:

1. Compensation vs. Work-Life Balance:

   • The comp progression (120k → 150k → 175k) with 50-hour workweeks in a low-cost-of-living (LCOL) city is solid. Many in high finance would envy this setup, especially given the uncapped bonuses and potential for partnership in 4-5 years.
   • However, the "uninteresting" work could lead to long-term dissatisfaction, especially if he values intellectual stimulation or career growth in more prestigious fields.

2. Private Equity Aspirations:

   • Moving to PE would likely mean a significant increase in hours and stress, especially at the junior levels. While the comp could be higher in the long run, the path to partnership in PE is much more competitive and uncertain.
   • If he’s serious about PE, he should consider whether his current valuation experience aligns with the skillset PE firms value (e.g., financial modeling, transaction experience). If not, a lateral move to IB might be necessary first, which would mean starting over in terms of hours and hierarchy.

3. Partnership Opportunity:

   • Partnership in a smaller valuation firm could be lucrative, especially with uncapped bonuses. It’s worth understanding what partnership entails—equity stake, profit-sharing, etc.—and how it compares to his long-term financial and career goals.

4. City Considerations:

   • The LCOL city is a double-edged sword. While it enhances the value of his current comp, it might limit networking opportunities and exit options to larger markets or prestigious firms.

Key Questions for Him to Reflect On:
- Does he value WLB and financial stability over prestige and potentially higher comp in the long term?
- Is he genuinely interested in PE, or is it just the allure of the industry?
- What does he envision for his career in 10-15 years—staying in valuation, moving to PE, or something else entirely?

Ultimately, leaving this job for PE would not be "crazy," but it would come with significant trade-offs. If he’s content with his current setup and sees partnership as a viable goal, staying put could be the smarter move. However, if he’s driven by ambition and willing to sacrifice WLB, exploring PE or IB might be worth it.

Sources: Was it a mistake? A confused Private Equity junior., Family Office Private Equity, Would you leave in this situation?, Handling Stress / Burnout in Private Equity, The Promised Land of Private Equity Turned out to be a "Monster Land"