Help me pick my exit opp - Big 4 Tech Consulting

Hi all,

Haven't posted in a while so hope people are doing as well as possible in the current times.

Having a massive, massive career dilemma right now, and no one I know is giving good advice - hence why I am turning to this forum.

Been in Big 4 Tech consulting for 3 years, have been a high-performer this whole time, maxed out performance reviews consistently, never had any issues, etc.

Am 100% set on leaving due to the usual issues: overworked, underpaid, no appreciation from the leadership, etc. but am tossing up between 2 exit opps and was hoping for peoples advice.

Background:

I've been more of a business analyst/strategy consultant, despite working in tech. However I have led a couple of Salesforce projects and got a bunch of certs and well known in my geo (mid-market) for expertise in some parts of the tool. Most of my exit opps would be in this space. Been at my firm 3 years, currently paid 80-85k a year at 26. Work life balance is non-existent, and want to make more money, and have more time. Am also a property investor on the side, have 3 investment properties all positive cashflowing, and would love to have more.

Long term goal is to either retire on my property investment income, or manage a big team/be an exec at a fortune 500.


Option 1: Work for a smaller boutique consultancy leading tech projects.

Pros: More money (have 1 offer at 120k). Likely much better work life balance, longer term projects that are estimated/budgeted more accurately. People seem nice. More money also means more money to invest, better life. Exit opps after this role are higher, can re-word things on my resume to keep the options broad,

Cons: Smaller company may make it more risky if the economy tanks, or they lose a big client. May be more boring work, they have smaller clients. People won't know the name so no prestige (not that it matters). Less exit opps AFTER this role.


Option 2:  Work as a CRM (Salesforce) team lead at a Fortune 500/1000 company.

Pros: Bigger brand name on the resume (even though they may not be a high-performing organisation). Definitely much better work-life balance, chance to grow within an org and be not so stressed about the next project, the next deliverable, etc. Better job security in a downturn, will be a critical cog in the machine. Clear steps to long term goal of running a big team at a big org.

Cons: Slightly less money (rejected one offer at 90k, am deep in the interview process for one that will pay 100k). Might get boring/be harder to pivot if I change my mind about my career goals.


I really would like to do option 2, but I think an extra 25k could make a difference in terms of quality of life, paying down/buying new investment properties. Am totally torn and it is 50/50 at this point.


What is everyones thoughts?


Thanks so much all!

 

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