Which career path would you choose?

Which would you choose?

1) Star execution Director at a top Bulge Bracket coverage group. - You have a good fat bonus check with multiple MDs throwing you deals to execute but you need to work a bit more to make MD - You are a bit overworked thanks to some shitty Associates/Analysts but you manage to get things done - Poor work/life balance but at least you don't get super stressed on office politics

2) Mid Principal at a MM PE - You compensated you base salary to move to a PE gig and your carry becomes meaningful only if you make MD/Partner, but the firm as a track record in acheiving great IRRs from unexpected blockbuster exits - You joined as a Senior Asso/VP and know how to run things and there is meaningful competition among Principals that have longer tenure than you have - Still, you got a good life. You don't have to work weekends and have time to spend with your kids on weekdays

3) M&A Director at a F500 firm - You made some meaningful connections working with clients at an IB and the senior management at the firm call you in to run their M&A unit - You make less than half of what they used to at a bank, but as long as you don't f*** things up you can work until you're 60 at this firm as a senior executive - Superb life balance along with perks and public recognition as an important figure at the F500. Banks come to you for all sorts of deals and ideas.