Ask HN: What should I do for money?

[lostlost2021]

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]

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.

[lostlost2021]

This is what I am thinking too. Also there is a high failure rate for authors, my job might be only option for any real money. So management track in long term is probably better option.

Only thing is that I could take a new job as a developer and then move into management track in the new company. I just don't know if we will have these jobs available for much longer or no.

[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.

[lostlost2021]

Yeah, and since management requires emotional intelligence, I will probably gain skills that can translate to writing characters.

And yes once nest egg is big enough, I will retire and write full-time. Do freelancing, if needed. And this is where programming wins. Easy to get freelancing jobs as a developer vs manager.

[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?

[lostlost2021]

That's a great point. I am writing now, short stories. I write 1000 words almost daily. Also I have started to submit my short stories to competitions to see if they are any good. Eventually, I will move onto novels.

And the plan is once I start making enough money from writing, I will quit. I set 25 years deadline since I am not really good at writing, and then I will be retired anyways and kids will be done with college.

[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.

[lostlost2021]

That's true, while I hardly do any programming as a teamlead, some of the meetings, i feel so drained by end of day. That's why I write in the morning right now.

Working as a developer will lighten my cognitive load and may free up more hours to pursue writing.

On other hand, if I make more money, I can grow bigger nest egg and retire earlier.