Ask HN: Career Decision – Data Scientist or Navy Intel Officer

In the upcoming week I have life decision to make. I have discussed this with a variety of military officers but forgot to ask the tech community their opinion.

Quick background. Prior enlisted military 10 years. Been working as a data scientist for the past 4 years. Have two graduate degrees. Live in the Inland Northwest.

I have an offer right with a cyber-security start-up (5 years old, with steady revenue and investment) to work as data scientist. Salary is $100k (remember inland NW), 10k shares, work from home and the ability to complete my PhD part-time in mathematics. I've spoken with the school and my advisers, both accept this as the employer will allow me to use company time to work on my dissertation when the time arises.

Now I also have an application in to be a Navy Intelligence Officer. I will hear back in the upcoming week if I was selected; 5 - 10% selection rate. Not much need to describe the job or offer here as this is fairly well documented, other than in 10 years I can 'retire' and collect $40k minimum for the rest of my life, and low cost health insurance. If I stay in longer my retirement will go up, probably max out at $60k given time constraints.

Any opinions/thoughts from this community on the matter would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.