PE Ops or Investment Associate role?

Hi Everyone.  Hoping to get input on a decision I need to make.  I'm coming from a corporate finance background and received two awesome opportunities: 1) Portfolio Operations Associate at a top PE firm (pays really well, 2) Investment Associate at an asset management firm (does not pay as well, but really like JD).  

I know the PE role is technically middle office whereas the investment role is front office, but the PE role just pays so much better than I feel I'd be stupid to pass it up.  I was wondering what people's thoughts are, and if the earning potential/exit opps for the roles are vastly different?  I'm still pretty early in my career, if that info helps.  Thanks!