I am a 25 year old Software Developer who currently works on my countries national Electronic Health Record System. I’ve been working under an American NGO on behalf of our Ministry of Health for the past 4 years. The NGOs project is ending in March (after a 5-year cycle) and the software is transitioning to a new South African implementer. I am expected to transition to this new organisation in mid-February as a Senior Developer (estimated 2-year contract). I have been offered a great salary bump to boot (50%). It’s a great deal.

However, in anticipation of project close-down, I had applied for several jobs late last year. After several applications, I landed an interview at my countries Central Bank for the position of Software Engineer. I've completed security checks, health checks and reference follow-ups. At this point I am simply waiting for an offer letter (picked this up last week).

The base salary I negotiated for is slightly lower than what I’d get at the NGO (about 14% less), however bonuses + gratuity makes them practically even in terms of real income. This job has numerous perks. Basically, once I get in Im more or less set for LIFE. I'll have access to ridiculous loans than can be paid over long periods of time with practically no interest, fewer working hours, fuel/gas allowance, very high gratuity and fantastic annual leave conditions (8 more days too). Most people in my country, and even countrymen working abroad, would kill for this job.

It’s quite a whirlwind and I consider myself to be very lucky.

The dilemma. Despite earning more money Id be settling for a lower title (Senior Developer > Software Engineer), this also results in less responsiblity and less freedom. This would also be a soft career reboot as I have zero experience or contacts in the financial sector. Id have to build up my relationships and reputation all over again.

Beryond that, working at the Bank would be a huge change for me personally. It’s very old fashioned, very hierarchical and very, VERY formal. I’d be expected to put on suits (and ties) and refer to everyone as Sir and Madam. No more jeans, no more T-Shirts, no more memes, no more jokes, no more headsets, NOTHING. This is the exact opposite of how I’ve been working for the past 4 years, as well as how I’d be working if I stuck to the non-profit.

I’m afraid that my work in the bank won’t have as much impact as it has had in the NGO sector. I suspect Ill just be another suit in a building full of suits. My old American supervisor used to say this all the time, "you guys are saving lives". It made me feel all fuzzy inside, I felt that my work had deeper meaning. I felt like I was really helping my countrymen, and I was. This will be completely erased in a corporate setting, it will be all about that dollar (or Kwacha as the case may be).

I have no idea what to expect in the bank, either way it will have a significant impact on my career in general. A lot of doors will open, a lot of doors will close. Working at the bank could open doors for me to work at any other commercial bank, perhaps even transition to the UN or the World Bank later in my career. I want to know if I’m just being emotional and naive. I’d like to know what you would chose if you were in my position.

Thanks for your time and I look forward to your input.

As long as you are working and providing for your family, I don't think you should beat yourself up over the decision. You had a job that I assume was tough and difficult. You engaged in a great career, and are still going to enter another one which will benefit people.

My only advice is to not stress out too much. Otherwise, good luck.

I mean at this point in your life do you value what you care about, or simply just want the money?

Do you have a family to think about that has value to this choice? If you are single, you are able to take more selfish risks.

"the software is transitioning to a new South African implementer. I am expected to transition to this new organisation in mid-February as a Senior Developer"

If your gonna have to move to africa that might be a issue too.
How do you feel about uprooting your family? unless their 100% on it, dont, go for the bank job where you stay where you are.

On the question of how much difference you'll make, only you can quantify exactly what that means to you. I would argue that central banks play a critical role in providing financial stability for their country's population (though I am unfamiliar with the specific role of the central bank in Zambia).

But I would say that as a 25 year old, the central bank role is a fantastic opportunity to provide long term opportunity and value for yourself and your family. Everyone has an anecdote about someone they know who has a job that is rewarding spiritually and not financially. Or people who gave it all up for a charitable role and it brought them great happiness. The reality is that these individuals are an anomaly. There is no evidence I am aware of that these options lead to greater long-term happiness, and some evidence that it is actually a very bad idea. This article isn't about what you're proposing to do, but should give you an idea of what I mean:

https://qz.com/698943/whatever-you-do-dont-quit-your-job-to-pursue-your-passion/

I would propose an alternative. Right now, as much as it would present day-to-day cultural challenges for you, take the central bank job. Do this role, and similar roles, for 5-10 years. When you're older, have substantial experience, and better financial security, you can re-evaluate and decide whether you'd like to move to roles where you feel you're giving more back. With the greater experience you have, you may actually be more use to the NGO's you then choose to work for.

Go where the money is.

Go for the corporate job. You will not regret it and if you work hard you might come into a position where your impact is bigger than you could have ever imagined. Nothing can be more fulfilling than real power. Also you will gain much better access to resources, as money does not matter at all for higher positions in big corporations.
Even if you stay there for a few years only, you will probably learn and experience more during that time than in your entire working life after.

Life is for living. Pick the one that appeals to you more, as long as it allows you to make a living.

If I was in your position, and only based on reading the OP, I would choose the Senior Developer position. Before I officially started my career, I jumped between multiple roles, and I've found that the atmosphere of a company makes a huge difference. From what I understand, your current role seems to offer more autonomy, and is less rigid, and so I feel this type of work is more enjoyable (and rewarding) in the long run, even if you'd be missing out some benefits and career growth.

Now, if pay and benefits are a bigger deal to you, it might be wiser to choose the bank position, but I know I personally wouldn't enjoy a role like that. Whatever you choose, make sure the value the impact of whether or not you can see yourself enjoying it on a daily basis. I've worked jobs in the past where I would dread going in every day...and I really don't wish that on anyone. It really is unbelievably draining.

The money should be the last thing you consider IMO. Take the job that will give you the most satisfaction in all elements other than income.

If you want wealth, then trying to achieve it through salary and bonuses is not a good way of doing it. Try to make sure you divert some of your income from work into good investments and then rely on your investments to generate wealth. That way you will get to do the thing you enjoy most for your day to day job without having to worry about the financial side.