If your dream is to become a full-time author, then pick the path that means that in 25 years you can become that.
There's money on one end (will staying in management mean you will have more money and flexibility in the future? or will going back to dev give you a pay bump that will increase your base salary years into the future?) but also it's worth considering what types of life experiences will enrich you as an author. For instance, maybe managing people helps you meet a more diverse group of personalities which will be useful for your future endeavours.
There's money on one end (will staying in management mean you will have more money and flexibility in the future? or will going back to dev give you a pay bump that will increase your base salary years into the future?) but also it's worth considering what types of life experiences will enrich you as an author. For instance, maybe managing people helps you meet a more diverse group of personalities which will be useful for your future endeavours.