Military Reservist + VC position?

Searched the forums, but found nothing...

I'm interested in doing VC, but I've also had the itch to serve in the military. My family has a strong heritage of military tradition, and I considered the military my back-up if I didn't land in IB (I did). The problem is... I still want to serve, though not for the long-term (3 - 4 years). How can I reconcile this idealistic desire to serve with the more practical reality of my career?

I've considered jumping from IB >> pre-MBA VC (and get into tip top physical shape) >> military >> B-school >> post-MBA VC. However, there may be some complications with that route, e.g. may be too old for a good B-school, may not have time to get to a competitive level of fitness during pre-MBA, technology is extremely dynamic and a couple years out of the game put me at a disadvantage, etc.

Another consideration I had was doing the reserves while in a VC position (pre- or post-MBA). Is there anyone out there who has done this? Is this just impossible due to the typical VC hours?

FYI, I'm very passionate for both. Service to the country is something I feel that every responsible person of age should do, and I want to serve my country through the military. Then again, I know that even if I join, I won't stay long-term. Thoughts?

 

My thinking was I could do training before b-school, get into b-school, finish b-school, get hired, work VC or growth equity / reservist.

I know they can't legally fire me due to my reservist position, but I would be concerned if they don't hire me to begin with. Is this a very bad idea? Or are similar things like this done? I know many VCs sit on the boards of companies, nonprofits, etc. which are also a time drain, but that is relevant to VCs as they source deals, etc.

Having researched a bit further, I feel more and more like this is a terrible idea, and if I want to serve, I should just do one thing at a time. However, I would appreciate some confirmation and / or thoughts.

 

So is your plan:

Work, go to training (reserve) after getting accepted to an MBA program but before it (like quitting 8 months early and instead of traveling/whatever, go to reserve training)?

"It is better to have a friendship based on business, than a business based on friendship." - Rockefeller. "Live fast, die hard. Leave a good looking body." - Navy SEAL
 

This is more or less the idea. Just trying to think out of the box here... I know it's a long shot, just not sure how long of a shot. The one VC person I know travels frequently and has an 80-90 hour / week schedule, both of which make this idea not feasible. However, I assume there are some smaller VCs that have a better work-life balance.

I guess my questions are: Would I even be hired if I were to disclose that I will be serving in a reservist position while VC? Would it affect my finance career badly as a result of taking a weekend / two weeks every summer off? Is this just a ridiculous idea, and I can't have my cake and eat it too?

The only other option I see is to do my time in the military after IB and then transition to b-school.

 
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"It is better to have a friendship based on business, than a business based on friendship." - Rockefeller. "Live fast, die hard. Leave a good looking body." - Navy SEAL

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