Some things are different in IT than in traditional industries. In traditional industries the processes are mature and there are heirarchies and sub heirarchies so it is possible to have a "career" path and belong to some level. In Tech world the org is mostly flat and hence a person is at most 4-5 levels below CEO. So if someone wants to compare identity by using traditional methods then you cant find an answer. Regarding typical career path, we know we mostly dont go above 2 levels so no rush. We try to get more projects. When there is work it is grind. When we feel like earming more we switch or ask for a hike. Sometimes we change the content and become arhitects or project managers but again we rotate. Occassionaly we take leaves. Regarding those ppl who have come on maintenance project, if they have work they will spend nights in office butr now they seem to enjoy