My problem is that my company (and I don't think I'm alone in this) is ill-equipped to handle the career path for programmers in any other way than to force the

My problem is that my company (and I don't think I'm alone in this) is ill-equipped to handle the career path for programmers in any other way than to force them into management. I've been resisting it as hard as I can, but I'm already growing weary due to factors such as the "team lead" title which instantly gives extended benefits -- like an added week of vacation -- among others. My path also upsets the existing chain of command, since I'm outside the norm, and so I'm treated like floater that just kind of gets bounced around.