If money is going to make you happy then why not chose the first one? But is money going actually to make you happy? Most people seemingly do jobs they don't really like or care for, but I doubt they're truly happy with that and would much rather be doing something else. Personally I'd much rather do something I love for less than something I didn't for more, but that's just me. If you can turn your passions or hobbies into a career then that's probably one of the greatest achievements in life, even if you're not making as much as you'd like, but that's the compromise. I never really wanted to to work for anyone else and being self-employed is perfect for me. I don't earn that much in the grand scheme of things and have had offers to do jobs that would tie me down for 9-5 for much more money, but I'd rather not do that. Currently I do what I want and if I don't want to work one day I don't have to. I don't need to ask a boss or get permission, I just do it. If I wake up one day and want to go on holiday I can and still do my work from there and that's one thing you can't if you're stuck in an office all day or have commitments elsewhere. You really can't put a price on freedom.