People really underestimate how much FAANG pays, all things considered.

If you spent the last 10-15 years as an engineer/manager in FAANG (and these past 5-10 years have been very far from what’s called the “golden age”), and were financially responsible, you’re a multi millionaire, most likely still in your 30s.

If you’re a couple that worked there, well damn you’re not just rich you are wealthy.

I can’t think of a better starting point for founding a startup. Or retiring.

Sacrificing 10 years seems a lot when you’re fresh out of college. But 1. it’s not really a sacrifice since your life is much more comfy than most 2. in the grand scheme of things 10 years is not a lot. You will most likely spend way more time on a failed startup while having the worst time.