Totally agree with BlueSkies. I am 17 years into my professional career and 12 with my current company. I have an annual salary of $250K and more than $350K if I factor in the benefits associated with my current expat assignment. My salary steadily increased to ~$120K for about 12 years and then rapidly increased in the last 5.
Because we kept our lifestyle in check, the last 5 years has put us on a path to achieving FI in 2 years. So yes, it was worth it, but mainly because it happened organically. I didn't have a grand plan to climb the ladder, it just happened because I guess I am pretty good at what I do and I am humble.
Here is what I focused on in my career:
- Identify and SOLVE problems. Anybody can find problems, solving them adds value.
- Make my boss look good. Identify issues and what needs to be done before they do. Pretty much the same as the first bullet.
- Understand what I like and seek out those kind of positions, not the positions that I think shoot me up the ladder fastest.
- Be nice to the people around you. Do things the right way.
- Put as many good people around you as you can. Give them what they need to be successful, reward them for their work and stay the hell out of their way.
Like BlueSkies said, I think you are setting yourself up for misery if you are only focused on climbing the ladder. You will be much happier and likely A LOT more successful if you find something you like to do and go for it. 20 years is a hell of a long time if your only motivation is money.