In the short run, grossing a high net income per year would be preferred. More deposited in one’s pocket per year, the easier it is for them to use it to their liking. The only problem is, net-income from an employer isn’t guaranteed to last or be as grand in subsequent years. Most people don’t even pay attention to their net-worth compared to their AGI, take-home pay. If I asked random people their net-worth versus net-income, I’m sure most would nail down to the penny their yearly income but place their net-worth in a ballpark.