Now that is an interesting way of looking at things...

Id think the guy who works in Corporate IT "has his life in order". I'd think he's well off finincially and has a lot of connections. He may not know the latest and coolest tech, but all the big companies wouldnt hesitate to hire him because of experience/familiarity alone.

Id think the guy who works in non-profits works in an interesting and dynamic environment. I'd think he's well off financially and knows some pretty cool technologies too. Id have a drink with this guy.

I wish I listened to such advice when I was your age.

Why settle for low-end tech?

Here, apply. Solve big problems that are interesting, build tomorrow's technologies and make a very good salary.

https://www.amazon.jobs/en/search?base_query=software+development+engineer&loc_query=&job_count=10&result_limit=10&sort=relevant&cache

I'll take a look at this in my spare time. Doubt Amazon would show interest though, ecspecially in this political climate #OurJerbz.

Thanks again guys. I really appreciate all your input, I spent the last 3 days mulling over it and have finally come to my decision...... El Bank it is. It wasn't easy but I made the call last night and woke up with resolve to see it through this morning.

Although it had no effect on my decision it helps that all of my immediate family was on board with this choice as well. They let me know it was their preferred choice after I told them I had made up my mind.

I will miss working in the health sector however, I feel that I need to grow my experience and skill set, preferably in a new environment. Beyond that I need to grow up period, time to "get my life in order" if you will. It'll be scary as hell but I'll take it step by step.

If it all goes south I can always quit and come running back, or better yet just start my own business XD.

Now to go out there and break up with my supervisor >_>

Objective: really depends on what you prefer.

Subjective: I'm going with "Exciting/fulfilling Non-Profitable" myself, in development as well. I couldn't stand a job with better income but something that I don't really like doing, the people, the goal(s), the way they work, the way I am treated, the way I can influence things for just a bit more money (can't say I would decide otherwise if it was a whole lot more money; I mean, I would probably sit through 2 lame years if it would net me like 50% of my lifetime earnings lol).

Doesn't sound like you would hate the Bank job, though.

I wouldn't care too much about titles in the area of software (I quit uni because it was a waste of time and all it was for was a stupid title). Actually, if a company is cool (and that is what you want after all) they don't judge you by looking at titles.

Fulfilling is really the best choice. We only live once and no amount of money will ever change that.

I agree. However, I realised that I may have been jumping to conclusions as there is no fair way for me to dismiss my work in the bank outright. In retrospect all the people I met during the interview process, in security and in HR seemed quite nice. Formal, but nice. Furthormore, the great work that I took part in will continue in my absence.

It was a win-win situation, so proceed with confidence and no regret. Also, change can invigorating. As someone a little older than you, I find my memories are strongest when I start something new. I was at my last job for 7 years. The first 3 or 4 seemed like a big part of my life and felt fresh. The later 3 felt like it flew by, almost a waste. Now I'm starting a new job with a new wife in a new city and it is once again invigorating. Embrace the change and also remember 4 years from now to not be scared of something new.

Ultimately you can never be sure until you try.  Things have a way of working out.