Career crossroads: >£200k Hedge Fund trajectory vs. £93k 4-day week with a 9-month-old
The Background:
I’m a SWE working in finance. I have a 9-month-old son and have been highly prioritizing family time and work-life balance. However, a new offer has completely complicated things. The commute for both roles is around 1h 20m each way.
Option A: Stay at current job (PE Internal Systems)
- Comp: £100k base + ~20% bonus.
- The Setup: I am dropping to a 4-day week (80% pay), making my expected total comp around £96k (can't edit title, but the real figure is £96k).
- The Culture: Low stress, fairly autonomous, and I only need to be in the office 1.5 days a week. It leaves me with plenty of energy and a guaranteed, protected day off with my son.
Option B: The Offer (Hedge Fund)
- Comp: £120k base + £40k guaranteed year 1 bonus (which will be for 4 months of the year). The recruiter indicates future bonuses could push total comp well over £200k.
- The Setup: They formally rejected a 4-day contract, citing internal precedent issues. The team lead is now trying to save the deal by offering "unofficial flexibility" (e.g., working 10-5 in the office, suggesting I take informal unpaid leave on Mondays).
- The Culture: 3 days required in the London office. Fast-paced, working directly with PMs on a trading desk, with rotational on-call expectations until 9 PM (rare but possible).
The Dilemma:
It’s the ultimate time vs. money choice. The hedge fund trajectory could be life-changing, allowing me to pay off the mortgage early and achieve financial independence much faster. But I am deeply hesitant to sacrifice a guaranteed day with my son for the high-pressure reality of a trading desk, especially since relying on "unofficial" flexibility seems risky and likely to cause friction.
Has anyone been in a similar situation, having to choose between a massive financial/career leap and guaranteed time with young kids? What did you do, how did it play out, and do you have any regrets?