Currently a VP in PC making ~$500K working 60-70 hours and doing a lot of the underwriting myself given team dynamics.
Is it crazy to consider taking a PCA VP role that would be more $700K if i am already working a decent amount?
| +379 | London MF REPE is paradise | 25 | 8h |
| +75 | The Peanut Portco | 7 | 1d |
| +52 | Seeking External Perspectives | 13 | 2h |
| +22 | My Work Products Get 95% There, is that a failure or somewhat expected? | 13 | 5d |
| +19 | Negotiating sale economics with CEO? | 4 | 14h |
| +18 | Career Advice | 0 | 5h |
| +18 | LMM PE to PE-backed Corp Dev? | 2 | 3d |
| +16 | GP Associate 1 Comp | 5 | 9h |
| +15 | Joseph Baratta to Leave BX | 14 | 1d |
| +15 | PE -> CFO at Portco -> Back to Investing | 1 | 7h |
Career Resources
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
Jumping straight into it—based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to weigh:
Compensation Increase: Moving from $500K to $700K is a significant jump, especially if you're already accustomed to the workload. However, consider the structure of the comp—how much is base vs. bonus? PCA roles often have higher variability in bonus payouts, so ensure you're comfortable with that risk.
Hours and Workload: You're already clocking 60-70 hours and handling underwriting yourself. PCA VP roles in IB could demand similar or even more hours, especially during deal-heavy periods. If you're already stretched, this could push you further, so assess your capacity for additional stress.
Career Trajectory: PCA VP roles often come with more visibility and opportunities for upward mobility, especially if you're aiming for MD or higher. If long-term career growth is a priority, this could be a compelling reason to switch.
Team Dynamics: If your current role involves heavy lifting due to team inefficiencies, a PCA VP role might offer a more structured environment with better support. However, IB teams can also have their own challenges, so research the specific firm and team culture.
Lifestyle Considerations: If you're already working a "decent amount," the additional comp might not justify the potential increase in hours and stress unless you have a clear financial or career goal driving the decision.
Ultimately, it's not crazy to consider the PCA VP role, but make sure the additional compensation aligns with your personal and professional priorities. If you're comfortable with the hours and see long-term benefits, it could be worth the leap. If not, staying put might be the better move.
Sources: From Private Equity Associate to VP in Private Equity, What's Your Five Year (IBD) Plan? A VP Reflects and Looks Forward., Downsides of PE VP Roles, Q&A: F500 Director of FP&A, Leave PE for Corp Dev VP role?
Answer to that question hinges on your career objectives and the type of PCA role you’re describing. All else equal, PC probably gives you more career optionality, but as you enter your VP years you need to become more deliberate around your skillset as it is much harder to pivot as you know.
PCA is incredibly broad and can range from being a private placement agency which is more project management/fundraising adjacent, to a GP-led secondaries advisor which draws more similarities to a sell-side m&a role. Need more information on both your own career ambitions and the prospective PCA role to opine further.
DMD you
Nihil aut molestias dolorem dolore rem. Facere quisquam molestiae impedit hic ut iusto. Et dolores voluptatum praesentium sint sint vel. Autem perferendis dolores quia iste nisi culpa.
Id voluptas et voluptatem omnis at sequi exercitationem. Voluptas rerum quia harum aut mollitia placeat aut. Minus necessitatibus excepturi non optio accusamus reprehenderit. Itaque omnis excepturi nulla et.
Dolores animi eaque dolorum sapiente rerum eveniet libero. Inventore error delectus quos cupiditate. Culpa eum porro doloribus asperiores architecto odio id.
Dignissimos quia similique aut necessitatibus illum. Exercitationem amet et fugit et rerum sit.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...