Success and envy

I’m not entirely sure most of my friends know exactly what I do on a day to day basis. They know I work for a fintech startup, but most aren’t in the startup or venture capital world so there’s usually glazed eyes when I describe what I do.

The ones that do get it however always want to know what the hottest startup is so they can work there and get some equity. It’s also a bit funny to realize how naïve some people are when it comes to equity. Most underestimate how much people really get paid out at IPO. A lot also don’t realize that it’s when you join a company.

This Friday afternoon ended with news of a company that we work with getting acquired. I had a particularly interest in this company because well, everyone that I talked to from there was just a genuinely good person and I was more than happy to help them with their situation.

Today after the announcement, they are all millionaires and some even multi-millionaires.

I am beyond excited for them as I can only imagine what it feels like to read a news headline and realize that your net worth has just skyrocketed. On the other hand, I am human and am a little bit envious.

It’s a constant battle at my job. Being genuinely happy for my friends who just made it big, but at the same time wish that I was in their position. Part of my job is to do this every single day. I help people who are paper rich become actually rich.

I can’t say that I’ve completely gotten over the envy, but I’ve learned to deal with it and realize that success is not a zero sum game. These are the same people rooting for both me and Secfi’s success.

My time will come one day and I know these same people that I supported will be there for me when it happens.

For now, I am ecstatic and will continue to support my friends…. and make them buy dinner next time I see them.