How do you choose between two very different offers as a 26-year-old with 3 years of experience?

Question

How do you choose between two very different offers as a 26-year-old with 3 years of experience?

I’m facing a tough decision and could really use some advice.

Option 1: I’ve secured an offer from a top Tier 2 consulting firm in the Middle East (think OW/K). It’s a senior consultant role, so they’ve taken my previous experience into account. The salary is incredibly high compared to my current salary in Europe—plus, there are no taxes to worry about.
Option 2: I’m in the interview process with Bain in Madrid for an entry-level role. I don’t have an offer yet, but I’m trying to imagine what I’d do if I got one. The salary would be significantly lower, especially after taxes (possibly 4-5x lower than the ME offer). I’d also be starting at entry level here. But Bain’s global reputation is obviously stronger, and I’ve heard that working in Europe is often viewed as more valuable experience.

I understand I’ve put myself in this position, but I’m genuinely confused. What would you do in my situation? My priority is to earn and save good money, but I also want to learn as much as I can and grow in my career. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Hi there,

Congrats first of all!

Both are (or in this context "would be") great offers.

My thoughts (and some questions you need to answer for yourself) besides the points you have already mentioned.

What location would you like to live in more short-term, medium-term, long term?
Where are your family and friends?
While you work a lot in the Middle East, Spain has one of the worst working cultures globally for top-consulting firms. I'd guess you will work longer hours there (at a 4-5x lower salary...)
Consider the implications of working and developing your career in a high growth region vs. slow growth/degrowth region of the world
What location would provide you with more freedom and opportunities long-term?
How were the people in the recruiting process? Which culture did you enjoy more?

Just some ideas to think about.

Reach out for more personal guidance and help! :-)

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 2

Hi there,

given the huge difference in compensation and comparable working hours, I would choose the Tier 2 offer in ME. Even if you did this just for two years, you would be so far ahead financially compared to working in Spain.

MBB also hires consultants from Tier 2. So if you don't like it in ME longterm, you will still have gained valuable experience that would make you an interesting candidate for MBB down the line if that was still of interest to you.

Unless you have a very compelling reason to be in Spain (e.g. personal/family), I'd say "follow the money"-

Good luck

Answer 3

Hi friend,

Unless you have any strings such as family (kids, siblings), I think the decision here should be:

Do you already have a powerful brand in your resume (other MBB, top 2-4 names of the industry you want to be in, such as Google for tech)? If the answer is no, go to Bain. After putting a solid brand in your resume, you will be respected differently anywhere you go, which means you will always have space to show what you know.

If you already have that type of brand in your background, and your focus is on money, like you said, then the Middle East sounds like a glove to you. Without taxes, you may be getting over three years ahead on salary.

Good luck with whatever your decision is! :D