[-g-]

I posted a thread about which job I should take; either a Corporate Finance or Acquisitions position. I did the recommended research (pro's and con's, bank roll improvement, location) and I have concluded that each are basically the same. One would improve my career over the long term and one would make me happier outside of work long term.

Job 1: I would stay at my current company and move to the corporate finance dept working with one of the smartest individuals I have ever met (He bought and held the Apple IPO, THE go to guy for finance in our company, director of financial strategy) and I would learn a lot from him. He called me asking me to apply and said he "hoped I would apply"... 4 times. I have a mentor that is a VP, I would be working near the CEO and would work with the CFO. So I would make good contacts. Basically, this would put me on the fast track for management and beyond in my company. However, I don't think I want to stay with this company forever, and if i got management in the corp finance dept.. I would look at better companies. I wouldn't get much of a raise from the new job. I would have to stay in this area which isn't great nightlife wise, but I make the best of it. But overall, this would be the best option long term career wise.

2) Acquisitions analyst at a similar company in DC. I would get a 40% raise, I would be connected to the defense industry complex circle so make some decent contacts and could find something better to do easily after I got a year or so experience. The level of responsibility wouldn't be as good as job 1 and I think the job will be super easy. The life outside of work would improve dramatically, there's more to do and I will have a lot more money to do the things I want (new car, pay off student loans, etc,.). I would get to experience new things while I am still young (29) and I have always wanted to move to a city and just be able to walk to venues instead of driving 20 mins. Overall, I would be much happier in my life outside of work and career wise long term it would be unknown.

Edit: What makes me happy is trading equities (finance is my passion if you couldn't tell). I can do this inside and outside of work but job 2 will give me more capital to continue this passion.
I know the pro's and con's to both jobs so I'm not really asking for input; however welcome. I want to know...What's more important to you? Happiness outside of your career or happiness with your career?

[cibo]

Good work experience is worth 2x OK work exp. That and you know the company so it's likely to be a better fit. Take the first job. After 2 or 3 years peace out and you will have very strong ability to get a job with a better lifestyle. And the connections in finance will help a lot.

I busted my ass off for my first job and all jobs after have been no where near as hard but pay a lot better. Even now, my career still benefits the most from that first job.


Further, from what others have said, it would seem that DC isn't really that much of a step up in life style.

[Moab]

Don't underestimate the value of a strong mentor. There aren't many people out there who have the skills and are willing to invest in developing others.

[Suits]

You have less than perfect control over your career. Even if you are the best of workers, bad luck or a false rape acquisition charge can ruin things for you.

Two things to shoot for:

(1) A life that you enjoy outside of work. That sort of thing endures, job to job. Don't live to work.

(2) Skills that make you competitive enough that you will always have a job that can pay for the lifestyle that you are enjoying outside of work.