Hello everyone,
I've wanted to ask this question for a long time and am hoping that some of you can help.
I am a third year university student studying finance and real estate. I have experience working in venture capital and private equity (internships) but developed a passion for real estate. I have been debating in my head as to what career path to follow once out of undergrad.
Here is my question: at 22 years old, is it more important to make and save money or have more free time dedicated towards analyzing markets and potential deals but not save as much?
To give you some perspective, my short-term plan is to buy one or two properties after graduating and househack. In 5 to 7 years from now, I see myself quitting my job and work full-time towards growing my real estate portfolio, and possibly starting my own investment fund a couple of years after quitting my job.
Option 1: Real Estate Investment Banking / Investment Banking
I'll be making about cad 110k per year and saving a lot, but will have almost no time to analyze deals and markets as I would be working 80-100 hour weeks - I would stay in this career path for 2 years before jumping (hopefully) to a real estate investment fund where I'll be making more money working 60-80 hour weeks. I would make valuable connections in this space but will probably not start investing before I'm 24/25 years old since I won't have any free time.
Option 2: A less aggressive job in terms of hours but still in the real estate industry
I would be working in asset management, a more laid-back and relatively small real estate investment fund, or at a lending institution. I'll be saving considerably less money but will have a lot more time to actually make deals and develop a plan for the next 10 years.
Which option should I choose? Any opinion would be valued!
Kindly,
Leo
