What is the career and salary progression for an average performer in high finance?

When searching career or salary progression on this forum people always talk about people starting as an analyst and either staying on for A2A or going to get their MBA. From there either staying at the firm (or another firm in IB) or going to the buy-side are two common options. Then rising through the ranks to go from an associate hopefully to an MD one day. However what exactly do the average performers do that don't really rise the ranks after the VP position and still wish to stay in IB/high finance? Assuming they still stay in high finance do they just stay at their firm until they retire? Do they move from firm to firm every 5 or so years at the same position? Curious to hear what they do as it seems to be overshadowed by idea of an analyst eventually making it to MD on this forum.