You Don't Have to Become a Manager to Grow — The Expert Track Is Real

Many companies treat management as the only path to seniority, but the best organizations offer a real expert track — staff engineer, principal designer, senior scientist. Deep expertise has its own kind of influence, and it doesn't require you to spend your days in one-on-ones and performance reviews.

If you love the craft more than the coordination, say so out loud. The path exists, but you may need to ask for it — or find a company that values it.