It's definitely an issue in IT that needs addressing. I've reached a ceiling in my current position in terms of career advancement, because the only way "up" is to take on more managerial work. I have no interest in that at all, and so I stay where I am.

It would be nice to be able to continue to advance my earning power without sacrificing that which I'm good at. My solution is to become a self-employed software developer (most likely apps in the mobile arena), where I'll be able to do what I do best and advance my earning potential.

I do understand that money isn't everything though, as evidenced by my "standing still" for the last couple of years and not moving into management. But, you know, to have both the career path and the extra pay would be good.