The key to doing this is to look at the economics: is it possible for my customer to pay me what I want to be paid? This even applies internally, if your custo

The key to doing this is to look at the economics: is it possible for my customer to pay me what I want to be paid? This even applies internally, if your customers are other parts of your company. MaxCompensation = UnitValue * NumberOfUnits In tech companies, NumberOfUnits is commonly one million+. In non-tech companies... it's much less. So either deliver more value (petrogeology simulations!) or work for a specialized company that services multiple clients (healthcare software!). Be aware the former can be morally onerous, and the latter craven to protect their (relatively few) key clients. That said, if done right, I find it way more interesting. Solving problems in {x field} with software means you get to learn about {x field} and software! Just be sure to self-motivate on keeping your skills up to date. It's easy to get complacent and rust, given there's not the same competitive tech pressure (for better and worse).