This generally aligns with my perspective. I have seen another path for #3. Switch to a smaller company that's growing. If you're already at the top of your I

This generally aligns with my perspective. I have seen another path for #3. Switch to a smaller company that's growing. If you're already at the top of your IC skill set, you can likely come in at a relatively senior role with direct lines of communication with senior leadership. As they need more teams, it's easy to throw your hat into the conversation.