[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.