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It is realistic under certain circumstances. Here is the advice I would've given myself at 20-30 if I could have. One, invest aggressively in real estate or th

It is realistic under certain circumstances. Here is the advice I would've given myself at 20-30 if I could have. One, invest aggressively in real estate or the stock market. Personally real estate is more predictable but everyone has their thing. Don't focus on startups or reducing your income with the promise of future earnings. Maximize every dollar you can make and pour it into investments. You will have an infinitely greater chance to retire younger this way. At the same time there is a critical factor to never forget. If you are miserable doing your job it isn't worth the sacrifice. So when you are choosing to "maximize every dollar" as I say, that really means maximize within the limits you are comfortable or happy with living under. A little sacrifice is fine but do not suffer with the thought later in life it will be great as you never know what the future will hold and if you are miserable for more days then you are happy in a given month, quarter or year you should really reevaluate.

madamelic 10y ago
>Don't focus on startups or reducing your income with the promise of future earnings. I would rephrase this as "Don't focus on startups that reduce your income with the promise of future earnings." Nothing wrong with startups if that's where you are most happy. Just be realistic about your options and don't expect to become a millionaire from them.
- davismwfl 10y ago
  Yep I totally agree. My point was not against startups, but more that if you have this as a real defined goal (not just saying it would be cool) you have to focus on the most likely methods to make it happen. Startups are not the most likely way to do it as cash based income is usually partially traded for equity. In most cases that equity is worthless or not worth the same amount you gave up taking the reduced salary. The rare cases are where it really pays off. So at least IMO you take a job at a startup not to "get rich" but because you believe in the mission and want to work with the team. If it works out that you win the startup lottery awesome, but to me it is the journey and intense learning that makes startups fun.

madamelic 10y ago

>Don't focus on startups or reducing your income with the promise of future earnings. I would rephrase this as "Don't focus on startups that reduce your income with the promise of future earnings." Nothing wrong with startups if that's where you are most happy. Just be realistic about your options and don't expect to become a millionaire from them.

davismwfl 10y ago
Yep I totally agree. My point was not against startups, but more that if you have this as a real defined goal (not just saying it would be cool) you have to focus on the most likely methods to make it happen. Startups are not the most likely way to do it as cash based income is usually partially traded for equity. In most cases that equity is worthless or not worth the same amount you gave up taking the reduced salary. The rare cases are where it really pays off. So at least IMO you take a job at a startup not to "get rich" but because you believe in the mission and want to work with the team. If it works out that you win the startup lottery awesome, but to me it is the journey and intense learning that makes startups fun.