To Stay or Go?
I am a VP at a LMM fund. Based on culture don't think I want to stay here forever. Have a liquid net worth of about $1m. Another $300-500k of theoretical vested carry daw. Have a business idea i want to pursue but I am debating timing. Have a ~$1m tranche of carry DAW that vests if I put in 1 more year. Would take my theoretical net worth assuming carry payouts to an eventual ~$2.5m. Should I wait it out or just go start a business now?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some key considerations to help you decide:
Reasons to Stay for Another Year:
Reasons to Leave Now:
Key Questions to Ask Yourself:
Suggested Approach:
If the business idea is time-sensitive and you’re ready to commit fully, leaving now might make sense. However, if the idea can wait and the additional carry significantly strengthens your financial position, staying another year could be the smarter move. Ultimately, weigh the financial upside against your personal goals and the timing of your entrepreneurial aspirations.
Sources: Overnight 23-year old BTC Millionaire? Life Choices, Why You Should Reject that Start-Up Job, Overnight 23-year old BTC Millionaire? Life Choices, Staying a third year as a PE associate vs. doing something nontraditional, Join startup HF or pursue MBA? Seeking advice..
bump
I'd weigh how likely the carry is to be paid out. If fund is underperforming and carry unlikely, leave sooner. If you think it'll be worth close to face value, then $1mm for one year is good comp.
Agree with this. The other consideration is what the business idea is - if this is a startup where you think it's important to be a first mover, that's different than making / acquiring a more traditional business
All of the carry vests immediately in 1 year? I would just stick it out if that’s the case. That plus your cash comp should give you a meaningfully higher net worth. You might also feel like you have more of a cushion when pursuing your biz.
I have a similar urge to go a buy/operate a biz and am in similar NW position. But it’s hard to turn down a chance to double your NW at that size for sticking it out 1 more year.
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