[scarface74]

I also started programming in 65C02 assembly in the 80s on an Apple //e and have been a professional developer since 1996. During that time, I’ve only been anything close to management (the dev lead for a medium size company) for 2 years. I hated every minute of the lead part.

I left the company to work for a small startup and negotiated not to be a team lead. I reiterated that at my last review. I’m much more effective just being a member of different teams and guiding the teams through just mentoring, advising and demonstrating.

If at all possible, I plan to be here at least another 4 or 5 years, but this will be my last software development full time salaried job hopefully. I’ll be 50.

I personally haven’t heard ageism being that much of an issue from other developers who are also 40+ who have kept their skills and their network current - ie we hardly ever get rejected from jobs we apply for. But, I definitely plan on contracting or consulting after I leave my current job.