I wrote code professionally for 40 years before retiring. Toward the end I was also doing a lot of non-code crap but I always resisted the push toward any kind of management. I am quite happy at how my career turned out.
Funny enough, I did exactly that. During covid, I bought the dip and moved to a place that is 100' away from my dads house. I get to see him every day now. I feel very lucky.
50 years doesn't sound like that long.