Now looking back after these few days, I feel java’s strength over c++ is too obvious. Most large trading apps are built in java; only some in c++. Experience in java has more _value_; mine is still limited.

Domain knowledge is the other big factor. Socket programming is too low-level and non-financial to my liking.

If I really decide to quit US early, then my “current US salary” counts. Consulting salary commands higher return salary.

Current job also gives me a lot of freedom and flexibility.
– I can interview;
– have time to study c++, swing, gemfire etc.
– can consider equities
– can consider analytics
– can consider London or Hongkong

Ultimately, as I told the recruiter, i don’t see myself committed to the new job for more than a few months. It would cause too much pain to interview for another job so soon.