Just curious: what are you looking for? I tend to assume that staff-level ICs have a pretty good setup as far as established expertise and freedom to choose what they work on (though that varies a lot). What tangible benefits other than higher pay are you looking for with that next step?

Not saying the financial benefits aren’t worth it by themselves. Asking because I always figured I’d probably top out where you’re at, and I’m wondering what the view is like there.