Because tech mostly promotes perceived "high performing" ICs to management. Which has no correlation with being a good manager. And then those people move up an

Because tech mostly promotes perceived "high performing" ICs to management. Which has no correlation with being a good manager. And then those people move up and promote more people like them. I've tried it on for size a few times, don't love it, don't think I'm great at it, but fortunately moved into areas that can pay ICs well. Otherwise most ICs eventually fall into the trap of having to pretend to want to be a manger in order to keep moving up in the pay scale. Given the choice, I'll stay out of management, but if not doing it meant capping out on pay.. then sure, I'd have to do it again.