It's normal but not inevitable or irreversible. Your reaction will likely be, gut level, either "I prefer this and choose to continue", or "this isn't agreeing

It's normal but not inevitable or irreversible. Your reaction will likely be, gut level, either "I prefer this and choose to continue", or "this isn't agreeing with me I will actively move back to hands on". If truly the former, ignore the nagging doubts and carry on it sounds like you're on the right path for you! One warning: 10 years into a 40 year career, going hands-off your tech skills will at some point become obsolete. That can lead you into making poor decisions later, potentially, through sheer lack of practical understanding, and with no realistic way back. Even saying that though I would find it hard to recommend going back to coding despite preferring what you're actually doing, life's too short to settle for 2nd best. Tough choices!