I was in high-level sales and for my last six years was always in the top five nationally. I didn't want management because I wanted to rely on my efforts only, not try to prosper by babysitting eight others.
My espoused theory was that my one and only job was to maximize my personal earnings while minimizing time away from my family. One guy in particular hated my 'me-first' attitude. He was convinced that the best path was to sell whatever the marketing dopes were pushing that month. He never understood that my way put more money in every pocket up the ladder or that when the rifs started the only safe place was at the top, even after he was axed in one.
I'm retired, wonder what corporation he's loyal to now.
You had the right attitude. I will say that it’s very hard to live by that rule if you’re working for the wrong corporation though. I’ve seen a lot of sales people ground up in the corporate blender.