VC > PE if concerned about hours / lifestyle?
Interested in private markets investing but don’t love the IB lifestyle, especially not long-term. Should I focus on VC rather than traditional PE Buyout?
Are the hours in VC actually less / is the lifestyle manageable long-term (i.e. infrequent last minute night & weekend blow ups, etc.) Mainly talking about NYC / other large cities for reference
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know:
VC vs. PE Hours and Lifestyle: Generally, venture capital (VC) tends to have slightly better hours compared to private equity (PE). However, this can vary significantly from firm to firm. Some PE firms will grind you to the bone, while others are more laid back.
VC Lifestyle: VC typically offers a more manageable lifestyle with fewer last-minute night and weekend blow-ups. This is not always the case, but it is a common perception.
PE Lifestyle: In PE, especially in NYC and other large cities, the work-life balance can be challenging. Many PE firms expect long hours, and the lifestyle can be similar to investment banking, especially during live deals.
Regional Differences: Lifestyle in PE can also depend on the region. For example, life at middle-market (MM) funds outside of NYC tends to be less stressful, with average non-live-deal work weeks ranging between 50-60 hours. However, this is largely determined by the senior folks at the firm.
Alternative Paths: If you love the industry but want better work-life balance (WLB), consider adjacent PE sub-verticals in NYC such as Fund of Funds (FoF), co-investing, secondary, private credit, growth equity, or corporate development. These paths typically offer better WLB with hours ranging from 40-60 per week.
In summary, if you are concerned about hours and lifestyle, focusing on VC might be a better option compared to traditional PE buyout, especially in large cities like NYC. However, it's important to research specific firms as there can be significant variability.
Sources: Lifestyle PE Funds in NYC?, Best lifestyle PE firms in terms of hours work, comp/size doesn't matter, Re - Lifestyle in Private Equity (lower mid to mid market space), Re - Lifestyle in Private Equity (lower mid to mid market space), https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/venture-capital/pick-you-life-venture-capital?customgpt=1
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