Location v. Offer Quality?

Genuinely curious what people on here think, as I've not seen it discussed before. If you were to have two offers: one in a satellite office of an extremely well-regarded BB/EB or PE/HF shop, and another in a city like NY/SF/Chicago but for a less well-regarded firm, which would you take and why? Assuming that you'd be indifferent about compensation or distance from family and friends.

 

Self-explanatory answer if you include the last part, definitely the satellite office imo. Really depends how much of a disparity there is in the offer qualities though.

I am the real boss baby.
 

Flexibility of job continuation - possible 1-2yr gig and move into the core city offices. If there is no interest though, I would personally think twice - there is nothing like being in a major hub like NYC. On top of that, you could also shop around after some time at the "lower" firm as well, and leverage your experience to get into a solid firm later on.

I am the real boss baby.
 

That being said, a year of experience is a longer time than you'd think. I spent a summer in NYC that seemed like forever - can't imagine being in a place solo without my friends and family. If it was SF / BOS maybe even Houston I'd be able to manage, but other than that, I would definitely go with the latter personally.

I am the real boss baby.
 

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