In regard to your career, what is more important, financial gain, professional growth or both? Explain.

Both, Neither, Other.

First off, let me say "Don't do it for the money."

If you are unhappy at $X, you will be unhappy at $2X.

There's actually a happiness quotient, which basically says that after about $75,000US, more money won't make you any happier, or content, etc. I've been in that position, and speaking only anecdotally, I will confirm money is not the end all nor be all. It buys comfort, no doubt, but not much past that.

Now, professional development. Being challenged, learning, etc. That is great. but it has to be tempered as well. It's like a teeter-totter. Once you have enough money, go full blast on professional growth, because the rest of the money will come with it. Likewise, nothing wrong with going professional growth from the outset, realizing slow & steady gains.

But remember. WORK is something we do, so we can do other things. The old saying, find a job you love, and you'll never work another day in your life is true. The real goal is to find work that supports what you really want to do. It doesn't matter what those things are, as long as they support each other.

Moving from the junior enlisted tier to the NCO tier and realizing two things....one I did not know everything....and two my NCOs were not as dumb as thought they were.

I tend to lean more toward professional growth. Typically, in my experience, professional growth has lead to financial gain.