[chatbot2]

IMO the smartest thing you can do early in your career is get enough exposure to figure out what you're really good at. In my case, working for a startup for a few years exposed me to all parts of the business, from configuring modbus connections to making product decisions and managing a team. Some of these things sounded interesting until I was working on them every day; others seemed boring until I really dug in. In any case, I came out of it with a clear understanding of which career path I wanted to pursue, without all of the what-ifs that come with a lack of exposure.

If you find your niche, the money will come. If you find your niche, the fulfillment will come. I wouldn't recommend chasing either until you have a sense of what kind of work makes you feel competent and accomplished at the end of the day.