[alistairSH]

Does your employer have a separate software architect track? We have basically 3 tracks... developer, architect, and engineer. Developers write application code and the principals end up in that "hub" role mentioned up-thread. It's a good role, if you enjoy it. Architects drive corporate-wide tech direction, build new products from scratch (alongside developers), and some spend a lot of time working on standards and processes. And engineers are the DevOps/CloudOps guys - they code, but it's more scripting things and wiring systems together (vs building business apps) and they're on call. But, between the 3 general roles, there's pretty much a job for everybody.

I'm in an SRE role now, big change from a UX developer/manager (did that for 15+ years), but also fun and challenging, just in different ways.

Edit - All three tracks end up in some variety of "hub" role. Senior architects end up in meetings with VPs and other senior leaders. And writing documentation and diagrams. Engineers end up with lots of customer-facing time, which can be stressful if you don't thrive under pressure. Kind of comes with seniority. If you don't "play well with others" there's nothing wrong with staying in a true IC role - but you need to have the self-awareness and communication skills to make it known. And it definitely caps out a lower compensation level (ignoring some very niche skills).