[sokoloff]

> But by then the marginal utility of a promotion starts dropping sharply. If you're already earning upwards of $450k as an E5, $550k or even $800k isn't that attractive.

Going from $450K/yr to $800K/yr probably triples or quadruples the amount you can save per year without feeling like you’re constantly scrimping.

That drives down the time to F-you money, which is appealing and gives substantial psychological safety/power.

[xp84]

I’d agree with you too. I’m working to get to retirement. Savings rate is huge. Assuming I can get to that point, after I have no reason to need more money from employment I’ll be working on one-person startups that I don’t ever need to make money to scratch all my hacker itches rather than working to make some VC guys richer.