[dnndev]

I have done both and can say: IF your product org pays you very well and you like the people you work with stay there. This also assumes you have freedom to do your own R&D projects.

If any of the above is not true go the consulting route with the goal to have your own clients. Its exciting, you pick the people you work with and the work you accept. At the time of this writing there is plenty of software work for consultants who are interested in long term B2B companies. You dont need many. We are a team of 4 and have about 5 large long term client. We are also building a product on the side (and this is the real icing on the cake)

When I made the change I was worried about healthcare. Using the healthcare.gov market place I ended up paying about the same for slightly better (local) insurance.