I'm in the same boat. I don't coast as far as real work skills, but I have little patience for office politics. I have avoided moving into management because I see what it does to people. But I was recently "promoted" unbeknownst to me and given a fairly significant raise in the process. So far it just means I go to a few more meetings and have to answer a few more stupid questions. But for me, I live like a dirtbag compared to what I make. I just really don't need much "stuff" so the extra money doesn't really motivate me. I'd say find another workplace to retire to. Granted that might not be easy in the "country", so if you can't just suck it up and move up the ladder. Save the extra money as a contingency plan for when it becomes too much or max out your retirement plan so you can retire early.