In Singapore, a fresh graduate is at a crossroads after receiving three attractive job offers from top companies—Squarepoint Capital, Amazon, and Shopee, with salaries reaching as high as $7,600 per month. As he contemplates which offer to accept, he turned to the r/askSingapore community for insights.

The candidate detailed the offers he received:

Offers Received

- **Squarepoint Capital**: A base salary of $7,600 per month, leading to an impressive annual total compensation of around $120,000.

- **Amazon**: A base salary of $7,300 monthly with a total compensation of approximately $117,000. Additionally, Amazon sweetened the deal with $70,000 in restricted stock units (RSUs) that would vest primarily in the employee's third and fourth years.

- **Shopee**: A lower base of $6,500 per month, translating to a total compensation of about $91,000 per year. However, this role resonated with him personally, as the hiring manager mentioned exciting front-end projects that align with his interests.

Despite the enticing figures, the graduate expressed uncertainty about which choice would provide the best career trajectory. He worried whether Squarepoint Capital's brand recognition in the tech sector might affect his future opportunities—“Is Squarepoint a recognizable name within tech?” he pondered.

Interestingly, his passion for front-end development had him leaning toward Shopee, despite its lower salary. “The projects sound interesting to me,” he commented. In contrast, he felt Amazon’s offering was less aligned with his technical interests, leaving him conflicted.

The Reddit community weighed in, largely favoring Squarepoint Capital. Many users pointed to the long-term career potential in finance or tech that a role there could offer. “Squarepoint is recognizable; I think it's your best option,” one user remarked.

However, some voices advocated for Shopee, emphasizing the importance of job satisfaction and alignment with personal interests. After all, a higher salary isn't everything.

Experts assert that prioritizing job satisfaction over salary can lead to greater long-term success. A role that aligns with one's interests not only enhances job satisfaction but can also increase productivity and engagement. Indeed, finding work that resonates with one’s passions fosters motivation and reduces the risk of career burnout.

As this fresh graduate weighs his options, he faces a dilemma many encounter in the workforce:

The Dilemma

**Should you choose a higher salary or a position that aligns with your true passions?**

The choice may define the trajectory of his career, so he must choose wisely. What would you do in his shoes?