lostlost2021

That's true, while I hardly do any programming as a teamlead, some of the meetings, i feel so drained by end of day. That's why I write in the morning right now.

Working as a developer will lighten my cognitive load and may free up more hours to pursue writing.

On other hand, if I make more money, I can grow bigger nest egg and retire earlier.

That's a great point. I am writing now, short stories. I write 1000 words almost daily. Also I have started to submit my short stories to competitions to see if they are any good. Eventually, I will move onto novels.

And the plan is once I start making enough money from writing, I will quit. I set 25 years deadline since I am not really good at writing, and then I will be retired anyways and kids will be done with college.

Yeah, and since management requires emotional intelligence, I will probably gain skills that can translate to writing characters.

And yes once nest egg is big enough, I will retire and write full-time. Do freelancing, if needed. And this is where programming wins. Easy to get freelancing jobs as a developer vs manager.

This is what I am thinking too. Also there is a high failure rate for authors, my job might be only option for any real money. So management track in long term is probably better option.

Only thing is that I could take a new job as a developer and then move into management track in the new company. I just don't know if we will have these jobs available for much longer or no.