After 12 years as a software developer, I find myself considering new roles that would reduce or even eliminate my time spent writing code. One of those roles is Sales.

I've spent most of my career working for SF and Valley based startups. I've been successful and have recently made my way into the upper ranks for individual contributors at some great companies.

I've never worked closely with a Sales team and I know very little about what actually goes on in that world. I suspect I could be good at it based on my communication and interpersonal skills.

What I would love to hear from someone who really knows that world is:

1. Can I make similar money in Sales as I do as a Senior/Principal/Staff engineer in the SF Market?
2. What does it take to be good at sales in the software industry?
3. How much would I need to travel?
4. Is it best done as a full time employee of a company, or as a contractor?