Honestly, for me this realization made dealing with my job frustrations easier. As an IC in a tech role, I'm paid decently despite not working for FAANG. I do

Honestly, for me this realization made dealing with my job frustrations easier. As an IC in a tech role, I'm paid decently despite not working for FAANG. I don't have to aspire to become a manager just so I can afford my mortgage, family expenses, etc. When all the "extra" and "volunteer" stuff starts getting pushed on me, I don't feel the need to do it so I can "demonstrate performing above my current level" or whatever BS they want to call it. At one point I worked in a matrixed org that heavily interacted with business analysts, HR people etc. Some of those folks who were desperately trying to climb to a manager role so they could get paid a decent salary. A lot of them hated their jobs, but moving to manager position was their only choice. Imagine feeling forced to climb to a job that you don't even really want. It's no surprise that people just resort to political maneuvering to get that coveted manager spot.