My first response will always be that which I'm passionate about. As I've gotten older, I realize that when we do jobs that aren't authentic to our nature, it takes longer for us to determine our life's purpose. When we do the things our hearts call us to do even against all odds, it we become more authentic quicker and gain wisdom easier. Otherwise, I feel like we have to keep repeating the mistakes over and over. The majority of our lives are spent sleeping and working: 8 hours of sleep, 8 hours of work, 1-3 hours standing in line (includes driving), and if we're lucky, a couple hours for our non-work self. :) For myself, since philanthropy is such a big part of my life, if I am not paying it forward with a job I'm passionate about, I better be doing something I'm passionate about in my spare time. It's a part of spirituality and realizing that there's something bigger than myself out there whether it be God or humankind.

Our lives don't have to be perfect. If the majority of my life is wonderful (family, social life, personal goals, intimate relationships, living arrangements, spiritual life) then I can forego the passion at work possibly as long as I'm growing intellectually and being challenged. Now if you stick me in a job where I do the same repetitive shit all damn day and I feel like a drone, screw that crap! :) If the rest of my life was mediocre with no passion however, then my work definitely requires passion without a doubt. Find a balance.

I'd do the pays well job first so then I can amass a solid foundation so I can pursue a passion later.

As long as I can tolerate the well-paying job, then that option all the way. It means I have the resources to concentrate on my "passions" in my free time, and since they are not part of my work, I don't have to pair them with all the other secondary bullshit that comes along with any job.