Brett Coover liked this
I talk to engineers making $150K remote who feel guilty for not wanting more.
At least every 3 weeks, someone asks me to be on lookout for a VP role. A Principal path.
They're making $130K-$160K. Working remote. Doing work they like.
But they feel like they should be pursuing more.
Here's what I tell them:
Not everything is about the title, the company, and the pay.
If you can work remote, take your kids to school, see them at their events, go to lunch with your spouse - but you don't get the VP title?
Keep your great role.
The VP title pays $30K-$60K more.
But you lose every Tuesday morning. Every school event. Every lunch with your spouse.
Is that worth it?
Here's the difference:
Pursuing growth to increase your value? Smart.
Taking on complex projects. Building new skills. Getting your PE. That makes sense.
Chasing Principal or VP just for the title? Just to make money you won't even feel?
That's not a trade worth making.
It's all about what you want.
If the title matters, go get it. If the challenge excites you, take it on.
But if you've got a great setup, don't let guilt or ego talk you into giving it up.
Stick with the path that's going to make you the happiest.