Deciding between 2 different job offers!

Hey all,
You can find more context from my previous post, but I've been in the job hunt and excitied to say I officially have 2 different offers on the table! They are very different roles, and I'd love to get feedback and helpful advice for my decision. 

One is an AE role for the emerging market (smaller businesses) at a growing and respected SaaS company that my buddy works at and loves. It's $65k base / $130k OTE, uncapped commissions, and $70k in RSU's vested over 4 years. Have good health benefits, 3% matching 401k. Good product-market fit, customers seem to really like the product and many reps are hitting quota (50-70%+). It's an "expansion" AE role so the vast majority of leads are inbound and working off and existing customer list to upsell them. Also this role is fully remote. And even though I'd be starting in the emerging market because I don't have SaaS experience, there have been reps in this role clearing $200k-$300k+ and get promoted. My buddy really likes this company which is also a plus. 

The other offer is an agent role at an international insurance company, where I'd be selling trade credit insurance. They have the biggest market share in the industry. It's $110k base, and starting out I get commission only on new business (12% direct, 8% if through a broker). Good health benefits, $800/mo. stipend for your car travel, and 3%-9% 401k matching. Office would be in NYC, but it's hybrid. They just invested in more marketing, but there is not much inbound leads at all. Purely hunting, and was told straight up it's a grind and will be the hardest sale of my life. You start off with nothing and have to build your book of business, but once you get to a certain level (usually by year 3+) you switch to the senior comp. plan that's 100% commission (with higher commission rates, and you get commission on renewals). And once your book of business is big enough it's less cold calling and more renewals/referrals. 

I feel like I got really good vibes when interviewing with the different people at the SaaS company, and the culture seems younger and great, and people are happy with a good work/life balance and making money. I also have more of an interest in SaaS than insurance, and I know people can make a shitton of $ in SaaS and I can always use this experience for another job down the line. A part of me thinks it'd be foolish not to take the second offer with higher base, but I don't want to regret making a decision going somewhere that i'd hate. Plus, I just found out that with the 2nd offer i'd have to pass a drug test and if thethecreen for THC  fail. At my current role I've been grinding for 5 years building a book of business, but for many reasons It's time to leave. 

As a 28 y/o who's looking to make bank but also not be constantly stressed and wants to enjoy life - what would you guys recommend?
🧠 Advice
🚀 Career Goals
🤝 Interviewing/Offer
15
braintank
Politicker
7
Enterprise Account Executive
SaaS
bandabanda
Tycoon
5
Senior AE Mid Market
SaaS 100%. Insurance sales sucks, and it honestly sounds like NW Mutual or something. 

The earlier you can get into SaaS, the better. There’s immense upside if you want to eventually go into Mid market or Enterprise.
Skerp22
Catalyst
3
Account Executive, Expansion
Thanks for the feedback! Yea i feel that SaaS is the “it” thing in sales today, and great opps. to jump on growing companies and also make bank. And i def want to go to mid-market and ENT, I actually first interviewed for a mid-market role at this company but they gave it to someone who had prior SaaS experience. However, I crushed my interviews and they really liked me so they called me back for this emerging role. Also said that since i’d be new to SaaS, they didn’t want to set me up for failure with a mid-market quota that i can understand
Skerp22
Catalyst
2
Account Executive, Expansion
And it’s not NW Mutual, but idk the rules if I’m able to give company names - but it’s a huge international company that’s headquarters are based in Germany and Paris
funcoupons
WR Officer
4
👑
SaaS. Insurance sales blows. 
Skerp22
Catalyst
2
Account Executive, Expansion
Lmao insurance does seem kinda boring. Have you worked in insurance or know someone who has/does?
funcoupons
WR Officer
5
👑
I have. It’s a race to the bottom, over saturated with competition and the deciding factor almost always comes down to price. Antiquated processes, most firms are afraid of technology, the red tape from regulatory boards/the government is ridiculous. Should I go on? 
Skerp22
Catalyst
3
Account Executive, Expansion
Wow - really appreciate everything here. And one rep who I had a convo with (who’s been there for like 20 years) did mention a couple things he doesn’t like: 1. Being that you’ll often have to “sell twice” based on if the underwriters can actually fulfill the quote you gave, and 2. They have been slow to adopt new technology. So what you wrote def backs that up and then some
E_Money
Big Shot
4
💰
I mean my two cents are avoid insurance at all costs. Sounds boring af, no amount of money is worth that.
Mobi85
Politicker
1
Regional Sales Manager
From what you are saying it seems like you are leaning more towards SaaS and know that the insurance gig will be a grind for the first few years and do you want to dedicate that time to the grind. 
CuriousFox
WR Officer
1
🦊
More opportunities in SaaS
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
1
Officer of ♥️
SaaS, You can easily get to that 110k base in a year with a tactical move and good performance
Justatitle
Big Shot
1
Account Executive
Selling insurance is worse than selling used cars, I’m biased to selling SAAS but I 100% see the SAAS route being the right one for you.
jefe
Arsonist
1
🍁
Like most, I vote SaaS. It also kind of seems like you're leaning that way already.
Mr.Pickles
Arsonist
1
Sr. Customer Success Manager
SaaS for the win. "You never think of it but you're glad you have it" - Said no insurance seller ever.  
Sunbunny31
Politicker
1
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
Option 1.    You sound more excited about it, and the fact that you know someone who is doing well working there is a huge plus.
Cyberjarre
Politicker
1
BDR
I would choose between the first two. Internal referrals from friends are always reliable because, if they are good friends, they would tell you if it was actually shitty. Plus working with friends is always fun.
Pachacuti
Politicker
0
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
I don’t know your personality or goals, etc. so it’s hard to really advise you.

That said, insurance isn’t going away. It’s always going to be around and it’s very hard to be outsourced. It’s long term stability - career long stability. It’s long term money. But, imo, it’s boring which is why the majority here will point you to SaaS.

SaaS is exciting, fun, younger, etc. but it’s inherently unstable and lies in a dynamic environment. Constant innovation will make whatever that company sells outdated within a few years. You will be looking for another job in 1-5 years. Sure you can make a ton of money but you can also make nothing and be out of a job in 6 months. High risk/high reward.