YOU DON'T NEED TO BE A MANAGER TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN THE ENGINEERING INDUSTRY

Summary from the TLDR Product newsletter

The individual contributor path in engineering can be just as rewarding as a management path, offering similar compensation and leadership opportunities without the need to manage people. ICs can bring immense value by driving technical innovation, mentoring peers, and contributing to a company's success, especially as the demand for skilled engineers continues to grow.