If you don't want to go into PE/HF/VC, is investment banking worth it?

I currently work in corporate banking at a BB in NYC and was considering making the transition over into investment banking. While we do a combo of technical work and relationship management (later on though), investment banking is a lot more technical driven and I'm thinking that could be beneficial early on. However, these are my two hesitations: 1) I don't intend on making a move into PE/HF/VC so the main reason for IB isn't there for me. 2) I love working in corporate banking as the work/life balance is great, the pay at my firm is almost the same as the investment bankers all-in compensation and the culture and people are a lot better.

Is grinding it out in the investment bank worth it if I don't intend on going to the buyside? My plans would be either to a) continue up the ladder here in the corporate bank. b) work at a F500 firm (corporate development would be difficult to get into but still possible; also other areas within the firm). c) start my own business.

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