For the start I would go with option 3 There is no truly safe path — especially not in today’s world. Jobs aren’t guaranteed, markets change, and even the “safe” option can disappear. What really matters is belief in yourself. If you trust your ability to adapt, learn, and recover, then no choice is fatal. Without that self-trust, even the safest job won’t feel secure. As a family man I can guarantee that family isn’t a career milestone you unlock once your stack is big enough. The right partner chooses you for your values and character, not your job title or income. Relationships built on love and shared vision last longer than ones built on money.