My questions are - What are some of companies and positions where Software Engineers in an IC role are earning 1 MM? What roles should I be targeting Sr Principal / Sr Staff? If you are this person, what do you think helped you in your career to get there?
PS: I understand devs at FAANGs are some of the highest developer. This isn't a question about the ethics of how much money is enough. People have different thresholds and I respect your decision.
PPS: I understand IPOs aren't guaranteed, market forces are at work, we're in a very different financial market. Yes, given all these people still will be clearing that much money.
Look up compensation for firms like Hudson River Trading on levels.fyi