Thread by @CarryDaInterest

Thoughts from heading into my fourth year in PE:

i) While the job can be interesting, and evaluating new companies is certainly stimulating, the job at the junior and mid-levels really can be a grind (not too dissimilar from banking) -- grass is not necessarily greener.

ii) Though I certainly have been exposed to operations at our companies, constantly am feeling like my efforts are just too far removed from where the impact is actually being made. Have been struggling finding a sense of purpose lately.

iii) There are so many companies we look at that are really NOT that differentiated. While I don't want to undersell the difficulty of running a business, I am confident that there are companies we've evaluated that I personally could run better if given the chance.

iv) From an economic perspective, I could be building so much more wealth (and a more valuable skillset) by leaving PE and going into entrepreneurship (startup vs acquiring small business). The "career track" in PE doesn't really pay dividends until well along in the path.

v) What terrifies me is waking up in 10 years and looking back knowing that while I didn't necessarily waste my time in PE, I could've had more of an impact directing my efforts elsewhere. At a certain point, creating value for LPs becomes just that, unless you really love PE.

vi) Don't get me wrong, this job is great from a stability and compensation perspective, and I do feel fortunate to have gotten to this point. But at what point do you begin to value purpose/meaning in your work over what's comfortable?

Not sure the point of this tweet other to vent, and provide a lens into a career that I feel like so many people (read: undergrads and new graduates) put on a pedestal and see as the "end all, be all".