High Pay with lesser learning VS Low Pay with more learning progress

Personal growth and future prospects trump immediate financial benefit.

I accepted position in an SME that didn't pay me very well compared to another offer (25% pay difference). My reason was that I was working directly under the CEO and the managing director in a new department in a group company (I was the first staff in that new department).

I learnt so much from that stint, including how businesses are built from ground up, was able to network with other CEOs and other key stakeholders and build contacts.
All these opportunities would not have been possible if I accept the "better paying" job (that was basically doing office admin and translations)

Hello! I think this depends largely on your situation, and what you find is the most important to you.

Personally, I would choose the one with lower pay with more learning opportunities, because:

1) I am in a financial position where I can afford to do so (no huge financial liabilities, etc.)

2) Learning opportunities would allow me to gain relevant skills and expand my skill set, which is something I prioritise at the current stage for my career

3) Lower pay could eventually translate to higher pay in the future if there are more opportunities for growth

It might help if you were to pen it down and weigh your options, it did help me when I had to make a choice for a job switch as well.

All the best! :)

Hi there, its great that you are thinking about next steps in your career! Rather than getting yourself completely buried at work. Both learning and pay is important. For job satisfaction (think ikigai), it needs a balance of both.

What makes you feel that you are not paid enough? Is it benchmarked against similar roles in the industry? Have you considered if it is possible to get an increment in the same role, or promotion within the company? Or could it be that there are indeed much better positions in other companies of the same industry? Take time to explore and reach out to headhunters.

What is it that you will like to learn? Are there no other such opportunities elsewhere? Is it unique and a rare chance to come across? Will you learn on the job or there is guidance and mentorship? I recommend taking learning in your own hands - it can happen no matter where and what you do.

If you are thinking of switching industries, then what are the prospects within the current one? Do you see no future in it? Then why did you enter it in the first place? What other industries are you looking at? Have you explored what are the other possible jobs and what they actually do? If you do find yourself being more passionate or interested at another job, then sure, do some role research and give it a go at interviews! Find out if the job suits you, than if you actually qualify for the job.
You are still early in your career, and assuming you have less commitments and responsibilities, the opportunity cost to switch jobs if you don't like, is low. Don't feel that you have 'wasted' your previous experiences. Always look to leverage that and show how you can value-add in your next role tapping on what you have learnt.

All the best in your future!

It depends whether your current Job give you anything which will help you in further career progression. If you find there's nothing worth staying in current company because you find that there's nothing much left to learn and require a new working environment and experience, it's time to look for a job which give you better salary and learning opportunities.