Continuous learning could be the biggest factor in long term career success. Org structures are like Pyramid where upper half narrows very drastically. Almost 99% corporate employees will not be able to go beyond the half way. Our careers are roughly 40 years long. I would recommend learning big time in the first half. In fact go for huge learning opportunities (working with start ups, building something from scratch, invent something new etc.) even if you have to give up on money. Just a few years on the upper half (of the pyramid) will cover all the pay deficit that happened in the first half with a very good interest.