Been awhile, but here I am again!
I work in an area that could vaguely be called electronics. I have two job offers right now:
1. Well-known company, stellar compensation/benefits, in development of a particular kind of electronic device, medium cost of living area (loved the area)
2. Another well-known company, compensation about 3/4 of the former but with similar benefits, in fundamental research of the same kind of electronic device, very high cost of living area (so-so about the area) as a postdoc. No stated path to convert to full-time after the 2-year tenure. This company division has a LOT of academic connections, as it funds a lot of external research.
I could see myself doing either job, but I'm concerned that the industry job means my ambitions to become a research staff member of some company will be stifled forever. However, job #1 is incredibly stable, whereas I would most likely be looking for a job again after 2 years with job #2, and I'll be honest, the job search over the past few months has been really traumatizing.
Has anyone had this choice before? Later regret your choice? Love it?