[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.