it does feel weird to “settle” into a “terminal” position, but sometimes the tradeoff just isn’t worth it.
chatting with a friend about advancing up the hierarchy
I guess it can’t hurt to think about these things now. With the pension system (and life in general), you will eventually leave since it makes zero economic sense to stay after one has fully vested. But it’s gonna take a really long time. Way longer than the 3 year 10 month max length tenure I had in previous firms.
On the one hand, I’m seeing friends and former colleagues starting their own firms and being named as principals. On the other hand, one of my colleagues is just about to celebrate 29 years with the division in the same position, a Project Manager II, just like me. He talked about getting to watch his kids grow up, remodeling his house, and coaching little league, and soon he will be pulling 75% of his income to not work for the rest of his life.
You don’t get your name on the front door, and the parachute might not be that golden. But it sure isn’t a bad deal either.
Tradeoffs. Choices. Difficult words.