The way you 'succeed in business' is by creating value. Being closer to large changes in value (e.g., in sales) helps you individually make more money on average perhaps. And if making money is your idea of success in business, then that makes sense.<p>But creating value also involves not paying attention to what everyone else is doing. Imho, the difference between buy side and sell side is very crucial. You can say there are 'very few exceptions' -- but those exceptions are the beginnings of all new businesses since the idea of business began. The 'buy' in buy side is about taking risk, acquiring risk. It's true that the markets can't afford for everyone to do this. Otherwise we'd be in a topsy-turvy merry-go-round of a place.<p>But if you have something new and important to say or do: why would you want to be anywhere else?<p>&#62; So, if anyone here doesn't really have a passion for technology, but just wants to make a lot of money in the startup industry: my recommendation is to go quit your job as a programmer right now, and get an entry-level sales job to help hone your people skills, because nothing will help get you there faster.<p>Agreed. And also if you do have a real passion for technology, and not just making a lot of money in the startup industry, I take your recommendation as keep on programming.