Struggling to decide between a finance career and starting a tech company

Investment banking Exit opportunities
1

I’m 24 years old and currently juggling various odd jobs to make ends meet. I have to make a solid career choice soon, but I feel completely torn between two distinct paths.

Path 1: Finance Career (Investment Banking leading to Private Equity)

Begin in investment banking focusing on financial analysis and deal structuring. The hours are tough, around 80-100 weekly, but the compensation is excellent. After gaining some experience, I could transition into private equity or venture capital. Top performance from a reputable college and a strong network are essential.

Advantages:

  • Established career progression from analyst to partner
  • High likelihood of accumulating wealth over time
  • Clear roles and expectations within the industry

Disadvantages:

  • Intense hours and pressure
  • Highly competitive entry-level positions
  • Potential age bias against younger applicants
  • Challenging corporate environment

Path 2: Deep Tech Entrepreneurship

Launch a startup focused on developing tangible products in sectors such as hardware, biotechnology, or aerospace. The process involves creating prototypes, securing funding, and expanding production. This route is often more demanding than software development.

Advantages:

  • No age barriers; founders can start at any stage of life
  • Flexible work culture and dress code
  • Opportunity for significant financial returns through equity ownership
  • Involves innovating and creating real products

Disadvantages:

  • High risk of failure
  • Long hours with less compensation at first
  • Requires specialized knowledge and higher education
  • Difficulties in attracting investment

Both career options could potentially lead to substantial financial success by the age of 50, yet they each require vastly different approaches and skill sets. The finance route focuses on existing wealth management, while entrepreneurship is about generating new value.

I constantly weigh my options. Sometimes, a steady job in finance feels like the safer choice, while other times, pursuing a startup seems more thrilling. I know I need to decide quickly before I miss my chance at either path.

Has anyone experienced this dilemma? What considerations influenced your decision?

2

Start with your risk tolerance and money situation. You’re 24 doing odd jobs - that’s actually perfect timing for taking big risks since you don’t have major expenses or obligations yet. But here’s the thing: deep tech needs serious capital and technical skills that take years to build. Finance gives you immediate income and teaches useful stuff like financial modeling and market analysis. Only 10% of startups make it long-term, while finance careers are way more predictable. My advice? Figure out which one matches your current skills and background, then go all-in instead of trying to do both.

3

lol you’re 24, chill with the “decide quickly” panic. Life’s long. Both options kinda suck but here’s the deal: finance = guaranteed misery, guaranteed money. Startups = likely misery, likely failure. At least banking’s predictable soul-crushing. Deep tech? Try explaining quantum stuff to investors who struggle with email. Pick whatever lets you sleep because both’ll probably wreck your sleep schedule anyway.

4

Man, I was in the same spot 3 years ago! Went with finance first and it’s been a solid launching pad. Here’s the thing - you don’t have to pick one forever. I’m using my finance background now to understand the business side of a side project I’m working on. The IB skills (financial modeling, due diligence, deal flow) are surprisingly useful when thinking about your own startup later. Maybe consider finance as your “stable income while I figure things out” option? Worst case, you build capital and connections that’ll help with entrepreneurship down the road.