I noticed that a transition from a DBA to manager is getting more and more difficult. Today's managers are largely business graduates with technical skills, no longer techies with (some) management skills.

Over the past three years I have seen six techies promoted to management roles; only two of them succeeded. It is a risky move, becausee if you do not succeed as a manager, you (usually) cqannot go back to your old role -- you have to find another employer.