I think he's missing one big endgame – becoming a [Co-]Founder. The most risky of the bunch, and with the most variables outside of your control, but it IS the

I think he's missing one big endgame – becoming a [Co-]Founder. The most risky of the bunch, and with the most variables outside of your control, but it IS there as an option, esp if you have relevant or prestigious experience as a senior IC or PM. Come to think of it, it's something of a mix of all 3, Independent, Senior IC, Management.