[ghaff]

And understanding what you're interested in. In spite of having an MBA, which has been at least somewhat useful (if only for being nearly a requirement for a somewhat different than today PM at the time), I've never had a great passion for managing people. And a semi-tech IC track has been fine for me through various iterations. And I've also done OK--at least enough--largely sticking with companies for many years. There are probably other paths that would have led to bigger paydays (or not) but I've been fine.