Stop selling the late-bloomer koyok lah...

Already say how many times. This industry runs on attrition-based model. Statistically speaking, most people won't make it to that level and past it.

If they made it to that level, then the salaries for that level will not be so high.

The whole industry model is to ensure attrition so that there are only those few survivors who would be adequately compensated.

Obviously nobody joins a career wanting to drop out. But the fact is, it has historically happened and will continue to happen because audit is STRUCTURED that way.

Average performer can't beat the odds. The odds are there for a reason. Based on data points going back decades.

An analogy. Every officer who signs on SAF hopes to rise as high as they can. But how many people can be promoted to be full Colonel and above? The SAF is fundamentally structured to only have limited spots for those at the top. Most officers won't beat the odds.

Finally, your statement "Big 4 usually outearn others at director level and above" is questionable and not backed by data.