Which Path?

Hello,

I am a non-london based UK CA.

Currently a fund controller in a midsized global firm, with its HQ in the UK.

2 internal pathways have arisen, one is a sales role, the other an investment analyst role.

IA role would be a rank cut, same pay, bigger upside than my current path. Team is great and this would help with WLB but it is top heavy. Learning off senior people would be great though. I know the IAs in this business make a lot of £ between bonuses and base (and carry eventually).

Sales role would have rank parity, likely be more visibility, similar base and bigger upside as well (compared to current track). This would be in a lean team, reporting straight to an MD so visibility would be good. Never done any sales before. Was told this would be quite technical at start with a view to building a coverage within 18mo.

Is moving from a technical CA background into Institutional Sales a risky move if ever want to go back to Finance/ investments in future? Or is the IA route overrated for someone who doesn't want to wait 15 years for a seat at the table?

Also I am under the impression WLB is likely to be better in sales despite the travel? I have family commitments so a decentish WLB is really important to me.

Currently my WLB is excellent as a FC, and in my year end review I was in the top 10% of employee performance based on rankings etc.

Any insight to exit opps, progression etc (especially on the sales side as I think (?) it is more niche) would be greatly appreciated!