Decision Help - MF Credit/Merger Arb Equity Research

Hi everyone, I am a bit over a year into my M&A analyst job and am deciding which route to take as an exit looms. I have two options as listed above in title/caption and am struggling as to which route to take.

1) MF (like Blackstone, KKR, Ares) Performing Credit —> would be able to stay here and climb the ladder and learn, objectively solid comp, MF reputation, etc 2) Merger Arb Equity Research Analyst —> same base comp (bonus is smaller), but clear path to top HF (analysts have exited to BAM, Citadel, Mill), interesting and niche role good opportunity to build differentiated expertise

I need help deciding between which route to take and any information from professionals on either side would be greatly appreciated. In order of importance I’m wondering: 1) which side is more stimulating/interesting to you and why? 2) what are the major differences between credit side and public market equity side in terms of day to day, skillset, learning, etc? 3) which path will likely pay better in the long run?

And any other info that could help make a decision is very much appreciated, thank you all