Get real the top ain't always good.
I was implored to go for the top job recently by my work mates,
70% internal 30% dealing with customers - bunch of arse I stayed in my Customer Focused job.
I wouldn't go overboard on the money. Salary success came later for me about mid 30s but I always believed I could get it but waited for the right project.
It's a marathon work not always a sprint.
It does depend on what you feel comfortable with and if you are a high flyer corporate you have to put the hours in so you reap the reward later on. Accepted you can go down the contracting route but not always guaranteed a revenue stream all the time.
I work for Atos Origin, believe me Enigma it is really up to you to decide.
If you want to be a high flyer go for it as the rewards are exceprtionally good however you may not reap them till pension time.
Work is what you make it.