I was on the management fasttrack for a major German corporation for as long as I could stomach. Hated the corporate culture (really, that particular company is frequently in the national news for its horrendous and often illegal treatment of its employees).
Then I became an automotive journalist and freelance translator. Didn't pay nearly as much, but at least I could live with myself.
Now still doing some journalism beside the IM, since it gets me out of the house about once a week, talking to people outside the IM circuit and driving the newest cars. 'Tis nice.