What is the importance of money in your early 20s?

So let’s say that you have multiple offers for your full time job. All in the investment space both buyside and sell side
 

You have your preference for location, prestige of the institution, the work that you are working on, etc.


The only big difference is perceived pay. Say one may pay less with a higher cost of living, but has better networking opportunities and career trajectory. Another has a lower cost of living and high pay. The third with a great work life balance but not as certain of a career trajectory and mentorship.


If it came down to the money, would you just take the option that pays the most or what else is important to consider in your early 20s?

Edit: assume your parents are middle-class and will have a hard time taking care of themselves during retirement which is why the pay is important to you.

 

My take is assuming your parents are like 10+ years from retirement, earnings trajectory, stability (or stable exit opps) rather than immediate pay should probably be prioritised. Within stability, I'm including stuff like leadership/mentorship - being assured of your continued learning is almost as important as your continued income probably.

Then think about your ability to last in/longevity said job - no point having stability if you want to quit anyway. I.e. do you enjoy/tolerate the work, do you like the people, the area, the logistics etc.

 

Haven’t had this take before as most people say BB over MM no matter what. Appreciate this. The higher pay option has all that you said above, but not the BB prestige (exit opps) so that’s why I wanted to ask it the way I did. 

 

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