What do you mean by C-level positions?

I know lots of people who derive their success from their career, but they aren't particularly interested in what they actually do - it is about corporate ladders and paychecks.

Yep, I know plenty of these folks also.

Good point about maximising too. Im definitely a maximiser when it comes to time, efficiency, making a few quid etc. I always try to put idle time to good use.