I work with a lot of founders who think that a big check will fix everything.

But it’s simply not true.

Yes, the work of building a business is tough. And it is, in many ways, admirable.

But the idea that a big exit will make it all worthwhile is simply wrong.

Here are some key ways that I’ve seen founders let down by their exits.

You Feel Like You Got Screwed

The actual process of getting to the deal is hard. Compromises are made. Founders are getting more money than they have ever had, but have this nagging suspicion that they could have gotten more, and it haunts them.

You Don’t Know Your Family Anymore

Most founders lose themselves in the business. They do it because they love it, because it gives them rewards in a way that nothing else does.

The cost of this is their relationships.

Your kids don’t understand why you aren’t around, why you missed their recitals and games. And they probably blame themselves.

Your spouse doesn’t admire your sacrifice. Your spouse is angry at your absence.

Coming back to that, after years or even decades, is a stark reminder of all the difficult conversations you’ve been avoiding.

You Still Feel Like A Fraud

Almost every overachiever I work with has a deep desire to prove themselves, fueled by a deep suspicion that there is something wrong with them.

I struggled with this myself for the better part of four decades, and it still rears its ugly head from time to time. There was no title or amount of money that could make it go away.

The founder who gets the exit gets hit with this twice—first in thinking that they really don’t know what they are doing in the business, and second that they got a big check for their efforts and yet they “know” that they really don’t deserve it.

You’re Addicted To Stress

What do you do when you no longer own the business? You’ve been in firefighting mode for so long it’s hard to put the hose down.

After a week of golf you’re scratching your eyes out.

How do you learn to enjoy what you have created?

How do you learn to be comfortable again?

Can You Be Happy Now?

If you create a business that you love working with people you love, you won’t need an exit to fix you.

And, if you get an exit, you will actually enjoy it.

Are you interested in hearing more?

I’m moderating an invitation-only event for founders on July 9 at noon eastern time. If you’re a founder who’s within two years of an exit, you won’t want to miss it.

The Art of the Exit: Is There Happiness Beyond the Deal?

If you have a sneaking suspicion a big exit won’t fix everything in your life, comment “Invite, please” below or send me a DM for a personal invitation to this event.

A distinguished panel of founders with multiple exits and others who have advised founders through exits will share their observations and learning.

It’s guaranteed to be thought-provoking and to give you ideas you can put into action today.

You don’t have to go through the exit letdown. In fact, you might even start getting what you have been looking for BEFORE the exit.

I look forward to hearing from you.