I am a software developer, and am thinking how I can best prepare myself for the future in my career and life. I'm currently a software developer II, and obviously see the move into a senior software developer > lead > architect.<p>The more I'm working in this field, the more I enjoy the programming, specifically building products that people find useful and noteworthy. The things I less enjoy are the politics and project-planning.<p>Becoming a senior software developer means more politics and project-planning, or maybe not? Perhaps its dependent of the company I work for?<p>I was thinking about going to get a masters degree, but if my job becomes moreso focused on resources and planning (as a senior software developer), I'll like my job less. What are possible options as a software developer for career options?