Feeling lost in transition mode

Feeling lost in transition mode

Long story short, I’m a 28M transitioning from a life spent competing in a lower level professional sport into the finance world. I’m also a dad to a 9 month old and have an MBA from a large state university. Feeling lost in the whole “what’s next” aspect of life after sport and I’m looking for guidance. Since retiring recently from competing, I’ve had two opportunities come into my lap in the finance industry (from my sport’s alumni network). I’m wondering which I should take, or if I should hold out and keep searching.

Job #1 is a sales job at a small Hedge Fund in NYC. I think I am a good sales candidate and the culture at this organization feels aligned with my personality. The job being in NYC excites me as it’s totally different from where I live now in a somewhat rural area. My biggest concern is that this position is mostly commission based and although I think I will do well, there is less certainty with pay and I am mindful of how that could potentially affect my family if I don’t have great results.

Job #2 is in Wealth Management in my local area. The owner of a local firm took interest in me and seems willing to take me under his wing and potentially help me purchase a book of business from one of his senior advisors in several years. I like the idea that this is essentially another sales role and I could help others achieve their financial goals. My major concern with this is that it feels like the safer choice and I don’t want to look back on the “what ifs” of turning down an exciting job in NYC.

Both options feel good to me but I feel lost in the transition mode of making a decision that is best long term. Let me know what you would do in my shoes.