Decision Filter

**Decision:** Should you accept the job offer in another city or stay at your current company? **Criteria:** (1) Career growth trajectory over 3 years, (2) Impact on personal relationships and quality of life, (3) Financial net benefit after cost of living adjustments. **Recommendation:** Accept the new job. **Reasoning:** The accelerated career growth and 22% real income increase outweigh the temporary relationship strain, which can be managed through planned visits and relocation timelines.

**Decision:** Whether to pursue the MBA program now or continue working. **Criteria:** (1) Opportunity cost of lost income and experience, (2) Career ceiling with vs. without the credential, (3) Current life circumstances and optimal timing. **Choice:** Continue working for 2 years, then pursue the MBA. **Reasoning:** Your industry values experience heavily, and delaying allows you to enter the program with stronger positioning while your financial foundation remains intact.

**Decision:** Choosing between the startup equity offer and the established company's higher salary. **Criteria:** (1) Risk tolerance given current financial obligations, (2) Five-year wealth potential accounting for equity likelihood, (3) Skill development and resume value. **Pick:** The established company. **Reasoning:** With a mortgage and limited runway, the 40% salary premium and guaranteed growth in a recognized company outweighs the statistically low startup exit probability.