Even with VC money, running a business is very hard. Accepting VC money means you just sold a big chunk of your business to people who want to see it grow at maximum rate at any cost. Most won't blink an eye at burning out every single employee including the founders, for example.

Running a business is always hard and will always be hard, since it's a competitive activity against other humans who are also clever, hard-working and ambitious. Non-hardworking founders need an incredible niche or they will eventually be driven out by competitors who are just as smart but work harder.