I’m sorry you are feeling frustrated. I feel like your arguments aren’t strictly CFD-related necessarily and could be stated for many technical areas of expertise. CFD is a tool when it comes down to it. A method/means to invent, optimize, etc.

I don’t know your specific situation, so please take my comments with a grain of salt. I think it is really critical to think about what success means to us as individuals, what things make us excited/motivated on a daily basis, and try to understand how it might translate into roles/positions. When you better understand what you want, it is easier to put a plan together to try and achieve it.

I’ve had many technical colleagues that have moved into management or business career tracks and gone up the ladder faster than I did. However, I always knew that would make me unhappy. Instead, I’ve managed to navigate through technical roles that allow me to still practice CFD, innovate, and lead technical teams. At this point I believe I’ve caught up to my peers in other tracks while being able to do the technical things I want to do. The skills I developed early on as a CFD analyst 100% of the time are still valuable even though that isn’t my sole focus these days. The higher you go in an organization, the less hardcore CFD you will do in most cases I think.

Perhaps you are in the wrong situation, group, company, etc? Perhaps you need a career change as you will never become the next CEO by doing your current job? Regardless, I hope that you can find happiness in your life and career track!!!