PE Associate to VP - How hard is it? Is it worth it?

Hi monkeys, title says it all but I'm wrapping up my first year as a PE Associate at a pretty reputable fund, and trying to get a sense for what kinds of people are cut out for the PE grind (and whether it makes sense for me). Up until this point I've pretty much coasted on equal parts good luck and hard work, but trying to gather my thoughts now that I need to decide whether to stick it out in the long term.

Can those that have stayed in the industry give their two cents on what it takes to be successful? And also....what types of exit routes are there post VP or Principal promotion? And at what point in the ladder are you able to reach some semblance of WLB (feels like MD....principals have it rough still, implying a 10+ year forward grind)?

I'm in a position where I'm alright with the day-to-day work but find some of the people at my fund insufferable (either disrespectful or annoying). Can't tell if this is just an issue I'll run into at every workplace though