[codingdave]

This is missing the non-exiting, but completely viable path:

Accept it. Do your work. Collect your paycheck. Go home and live your life. Save and invest. Build wealth from your 20s through your 40s, still be wealthy and independent in your 50s.

The idea that "a plateau is a bad thing" is rooted in ambition for its own sake. Not everyone needs that to be happy and satisfied with their life. No shade intended if you are one of the people who do want more, but for those of us who don't, acceptance of our reality is a really solid response to a plateau.

[gibbitz]

I feel seen. What happened to contentedness as a life goal? I feel as though I'm treated like a bafoon for not wanting to be a billionaire at the expense of my enjoyment, my pride and common decency. I have never been able to separate ambition from greed.