[mooreds]

Become a contractor and focus on staff aug with yourself; charge a high hourly rate and have a focus.

I did this for years and it was great: I got to work with good engineers, didn't have to manage or mentor anyone, worked extra when I wanted to, got a good hourly rate.

Unless of course you are in the USA and need good health insurance and the exchange doesn't meet your needs. But otherwise, this is a good path for a half decade or more.