developer turned manager
japanesejay: lol.  I think the first two responses sums it up. 
...and I think you've answered yourself. If you enjoy development, stay where you are. Theres no need to rush into being a manager. Having the power to create and be creative can be a lot more rewarding than being part of the "management team" (depending on how your company is structured).A while back, I was lucky to get pulled out of the developer's chair and try out something else. I was given the opportunity to manage a small project with a dedicated team and then gradually worked with and managed teams across the states (and countries). I had to fight the fights and play the games but for me, I found that orchestrating the flow of the development process to be very exciting. I played an intergral part of developing part of the core product and was given a very fun and challenging role.At the same time a good buddy of mine at another company was promoted to Director of Engineering. He was happy about it at first but within a few months, absolutely hated it. He was one of those stereotypical hardcore code junkies living off of an IV of caffine stuck in his veins. He was brilliant at the engineering side of things, but didnt want to/couldnt deal with the people side of things. He was stuck having to deal with grouchy execs, engineers in constant disagreement, personality conflicts, you name it! Of course as a director, you dont really code at the end of the day either. Eventually, he stepped down and took his former position back. I know he felt like a failure for a long time.That being said, if its not your bag, its not your bag. Its ok. There's no shame in changing your mind. After all, you're the only one who can look after #1. Prioritize whats important to you and figure out what makes you happy. If you want to try it out, read, observe the goods and bads of others around you, change your perspective and give it a go. Good luck!