Interesting topic. After retiring from the Air Force I started in management and eventually ended up as a CTO for an insurance company here in Texas. After a run-in with a new boss, I returned to the technical side and now am considered the database guru where I currently work. While I miss the benefits of being in upper management (and the money), I am now happier and look forward to going to work. I do not miss the hiring and firing and performance evaluations.