If you like the big theoretical approach, you might want to go into an architect or principal engineer roles. These typically involve higher-level consideration

If you like the big theoretical approach, you might want to go into an architect or principal engineer roles. These typically involve higher-level considerations of systems design, data flow, etc. without delving into the tedious boilerplate (that's for lowly devs! /s) Of course if you want to get out of programming altogether, you could try writing a book about your experiences or whatnot and market it as a career advice. Or you could live my dream and go back to school for chemistry and become the High Priest of LSD