Talked to a very successful but not happy VC friend today and Jason makes fair points about why the job can be hard--
My theories and experiences, why so many VCs are unhappy (even though most are very well paid):
1. Easy to fail slowly
This leads to years of low-level but constant stress. Pretending growth will reaccelerate in your big investments. Hoping your biggest check will pan out … when it won’t. Knowing you probably won’t be part of the next fund. Etc.
2. Easy to fall out of being a winner
Many have a few strong investments but then markets, timing, energy change and/or networks decay. This can lead to plenty of anxiety
3. Partnership dynamics
Many VC partnerships are sort of quietly toxic. They look and sound supportive. But even where there is “no attribution”, every one knows who sourced, and who owns, the big winners. There is so much quiet bravado, and wolf pack heirarchies.
4. Partnerships > n=2 are unstable
They just are. Partnerships really are meant … for two.
