I am in a quandary right now.
I have a work experience of 3 years.
The work experience in the current company, for namesake let this company be "A" is 1 year.
Due to poor appraisal and difficult work environment, I dropped my resignation. But the learning is great in this current company "A". This company has very less resources, so more responsibility and ownership on its employees and offers great salary. But however, this time, the hike was very less and I got ZERO hike after being one year. I felt that I was being targeted for being an introvert (I don't join with the team for lunches and other social gatherings as I am not comfortable with them).
The new offer which I received in another company, say "B", does not offer great career growth and it has a lot of employees. So, less ownership and responsibility on each project for each employee and less salary and hence great work life balance. But career growth for learning is not that great in this company "B"
Should I choose Company "A" for career growth or company "B" for work-life balance and decent income?
I know, the decision depends on me and my environment.
My thinking :
I want to stay at company "A" only. But the work environment is difficult and a little too much pressure. And I collapse under this pressure. But I want to learn more here which I won't be able to get in the company "B"
In the long run, career growth seems to be more important that work-life balance. But then, I also think that, I can take the offer at company "B" and try some freelancing and stuff to supplement more income. But again then, since company "B" has more people, I will be disposable and my presence won't make a difference, right?
Can someone help me with what I should be doing? Is my thought process and thinking, correct?
And if I want to retain in company "A", should I make a condition that, I will stay here only if some hike is provided to me, or should I just be happy that they have retained me (if that happens) and ask no hike at the expense of good learning/career growth?
Please help me with this on what to do and how to do in my situation?