Looking for Career Advice: SOC Analyst vs Penetration Testing for Malware Enthusiasts?

I've been fascinated by malware since I was a kid—how it spreads, how it works, and its underlying mechanics. My ultimate goal is to build and analyze different variants of malware, understand their behavior, and potentially develop stronger malware and antivirus solutions.

Given this interest, I'm torn between pursuing a career as a SOC Analyst or Penetration Tester. Which path would be more suited for someone who wants to focus on malware analysis, reverse engineering, and improving cybersecurity defenses and finding vulnerability? I’d love to hear from anyone with experience in these fields.