13. Work Life Balance in VC?

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Hey there,

Welcome to where I write about my journey from a stable Big Tech Software Engineering job to the wild and volatile world of Venture Capital.

We just finished interviewing a candidate who I thought was incredible. She had led an incubator program at another VC, was quickly promoted during her time at McKinsey, and had even been student body President at her top tier University.

One problem though, she mentioned “work life balance” in one of her chats with a partner.

Partner: “I don’t believe in work life balance, red flag.”

And just like that, to my shock 😲, we concluded talking about that candidate and emailed a rejection.

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The Myth: Work-Life Balance in VC

Ah, work-life balance 😅.

That elusive concept we all chase, like trying to catch a unicorn with a butterfly net. Well, folks, I've got some news for you: in the world of Venture Capital, work-life balance is about as real as the “booming Miami tech scene”.

When I first joined The Firm, I anticipated that I was trading my 9-to-5 for something more intense, but I had no idea.

It turns out, VCs don't want balance. They want your soul, your firstborn, and probably your dog too (if it's good at sniffing out promising startups).

The VC Mantra: Maximum effort, always, everywhere

Here's the thing: VCs aren't looking for employees. They're searching for zealots - true believers who eat, sleep, and breathe the mission. They want people who wake up at 3 AM in a cold sweat, not because of nightmares, but because they know they can do more to find, win, and support the best founders.

In this world, there's no clock to punch out. The line between work and life doesn't blur - it ceases to exist altogether. We're talking about a level of dedication that makes workaholics look like part-time hobbyists.

Work-Life Integration: The VC Reality

Instead of balance, what you get in VC is something called "work-life integration." Sounds fancy, right? Well, it's basically a polite way of saying, "Your work is your life now. Congratulations! 🎂"

Here's what work-life integration looks like in VC:

• Your social life? That's networking now.

• Vacation 🏝️? Great time to catch up on pitch decks.

• Family dinner 🍽️? Can they come to the office instead so you can get back to work?

• Sleep 💤? Optional, apparently.

The goal isn't to separate work and life, but to blend them so seamlessly that you can't tell where one ends and the other begins. It's like a smoothie, but instead of fruits and veggies, it's made of spreadsheets, founder vibes, and your blood, sweet, and tears.

The Upside (Yes, There Is One)

Now, before you run screaming back to your cushy tech job, let me say this: for the right person, this lifestyle can be exhilarating. If you're passionate about startups, innovation, and shaping the future, VC offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of it all.

The work is challenging, diverse, and never boring. One day you're diving deep into AI ethics, the next you're learning about revolutionary battery technology. It's a constant intellectual feast, paired with with a decanted glass of adrenaline, with some existential dread for dessert.

If you thrive in this ecosystem, the financial upside can be incredible as well.

The Reality Check

But let's be real: this lifestyle isn't for everyone. It requires an almost manic level of dedication and a willingness to blur the lines between personal and professional in ways that would make a workaholic blush.

If you're considering a jump into VC, ask yourself: Am I ready to live and breathe this work? Can I handle the pressure of always being "on"? Am I okay with my personal life becoming an extension of my professional one?

The Bottom Line

Work-life balance in VC is a myth. What exists instead is an all-encompassing lifestyle that demands everything you've got - and then some. It's not about finding balance; it's about embracing the imbalance and thriving in it.

For those who can hack it, it's an incredible ride. For others, it might be a one-way ticket to burnout city.

As for me? I'm still figuring out if I'm cut out for this wild world. Stay tuned to find out if I sink or swim in this high-stakes, all-in environment.

Until next time!

Signing off and signing zero checks,

SWEdonym