I've gone from IC to Manager and back a couple times. The first time was becoming "manager by default" in a growing startup. I then moved on to another startu

I've gone from IC to Manager and back a couple times. The first time was becoming "manager by default" in a growing startup. I then moved on to another startup as a tech lead, became "manager by default" again, and eventually VP of Engineering. That startup was acquired and the teams dispersed, and I eventually ended up back in an IC role (which, despite assurances from my boss, ended up being a demotion resulting in lower bonus and reduced stock awards). I sucked it up and worked as an IC for while and realized that, after 20 years, I have little interest in writing code for a living any more. I truly enjoyed the strategic and personal growth aspects of managing, so I left that company and have only taken manager roles. I find managing to be much more stressful, but supporting my people through these trying teams has been a highlight of my career.