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<p>But as we’ve discussed before, money isn’t everything. Accumulating the most things is an goal for only some people. For others, the stress, work load, hours, and risk associated with being the “middle man” just isn’t worth it. </p>
<p>One of the best engineers I’ve ever known spent 40 years as a “grunt”. He repeatedly turned down promotions. One time I asked why, and he said, “My joy in life is spending time with my kids and grandkids. As an engineer, I can come in at 7 and leave by 4. As a manager, I would come in at 7 and leave at 7. Those 15 hours per week with my family is worth more than they could ever pay me.”</p>