Don't Take The Money
It's a privilege to be able to forgo money for less tangible things. Experience, passion, or duty. Not everyone has that luxury.
Money is tempting even when you don't need it. It's no surprise that most of the wealthy seek to get wealthier. In your career, there's pressure to constantly make more money. You have to climb the ladder and you any step backwards is a failure.
Following the money comes at a cost though. You have to give up experiences and risks that might not come with the same financial benefits. Following your passions or taking a job you love might make you happier in the long run but it comes at the cost of the best salary you can get. Whichever path you choose you'll probably have to sacrifice something.
I think short term financial improvements are overvalued when you don't need it. Quitting your job, or taking a lower paying one can work out better in the end. Passion makes it easier to excel in a role. It makes it easier to continue when the work is tedious or frustrating.
Not everyone has these opportunities, and I think I should take advantage of my privileges. You should be sensible, but the risks attached aren't as scary as they seem. I try to make choices where money isn't the only motivation. It's risky, but if I'm able to choose passion over money I think it's worth it. It's a hard temptation to resist though. It's a hard temptation to resist though.
