Depends. If I did option 1, then after I gained a large sum of money for a few years, I could just invest and then quit my job and have fun for the rest of my life. If I had to do the job forever, then I'd go with option 2. Time is much more important to me than money. I'd rather be poor and happy than rich and miserable. At the end of my life when I would look back at the choice, I'd be happier that I'd chosen option 2.