HACKER Q&A
📣 lostlost2021

What should I do for money?


I am reaching 40 and been software engineer for 15 years. I am finally realizing that the main reason I got into programming was to start my own startup. Programming for others while still very satisfying is a little drag.

So I went a leadership route for a bit but the stress-level is through the roof. I feel like I am always negotiating. I am making $150K in Dallas TX.

A few of my friends have changed jobs recently and they are making over 200K as developers. They all are based in Dallas or Texas. This makes me want to go back to being a developer, have lower stress, and make more money.

Finally, I have long term plans to write books. I have set 25 years to deadline to become a full-time author. The reason for long deadline is because I have small kids, limited time to learn a new skill. And just want to be realistic.

Given all that information what should I do?

A: Keep my current job as a team lead and move further into management.

   Pros: Flexibility because been here for so long, leadership skills don't expire, eventually can make more money than as software devs

   Cons: Less money for now, more stressful, stuck on a bad project at my current company
B: Get a new job as a developer

   Pros: Take advantage of current economy and enjoy more money immediately, less stress, more satisfying work.

   Cons: Reset my flexibility/influence, leetcode/interviews, eventually I will old man competing with young grads.
C: Some other option?

  👤 nupitalnumber Accepted Answer ✓
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.

👤 giantg2
The management path is where the money is. I would do that and plan to work on being an author in retirement. Maybe take an early retirement but get an enjoyable low stress part time job.
👤 themodelplumber
What do you want to write?

A lot of people want to write (later) because it's very precious to them to write, now. What if the writing that's precious now isn't precious later?

Is there a way you can write now and start to connect present with future?

Is there a way you can use or design a system of setting boundaries in your current position, so you have more comfortable head room in which to mull over this problem?

👤 CodingPanda42
I don't think you necessarily make more as developer, have a look at the market and see what you can get. Especially now that more companies are moving to remote you might be able to do better in either role.

Having said that as developer it will most certainly be less stressful so you might go that route just so you can free up more space to start writing now.