[scarface74]

It’s a continual dilemma for me in my career now as I hit the big four-oh this year, and trying to figure if there is some way to be just a regular “software engineer” without taking a big pay-cut.

Not that I’m looking to leave the company I’m working for now anytime soon, but I’m in my mid 40s and I think whenever I do leave, this may be my last full time software development job unless I find another small company I like as much.

My next job will either be an overpriced “digital transformation consultant”/“cloud consultant” or just a W2/1099 contractor where I come to work get paid and move on when the contract is over.

Luckily, I never have to worry about health care coverage again in 6 years since my wife will have guaranteed life long health insurance with her job after 10 years.