Putting aggressive career progression aside to stay at a company you love?

[Notnowlorelai]

I’ve always been quite ambitious. I’m ready for the next step now, but there is no progression path at current employer so if I want a promotion, I would need to leave and work elsewhere. Sounds simple enough. If I leave I could probably earn an extra 30% elsewhere for the next natural career position.

But I really, love my workplace. I don’t particularly struggle for money so while an extra 30% would be nice, I don’t need it. I never get the Sunday night blues. My colleagues are lovely. But I’ve spent my whole career to now quite aggressively progessing and working my way up the ladder so it feels a bit wrong to just let my career progression stagnate for a number of years and just coast.

Any advice? I feel so conflicted.

It's not simple to answer - from what maintains your self esteem to what you might want or need longer term

but you would not be unusual to place a premium on being happy at work and being satisfied with what you have financially