The simulator is an excellent reminder that engineering managers sign up for an eternity in the Kobayashi Maru scenario, and there's no way to Captain Kirk it, either.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobayashi_Maru

I've had the fortune to be able to steer my career back down to IC with no loss of income every time I have been pushed up into an EM role.

Only one data point, but I'm 100% happier as IC than EM.