Spot on. "Free time" becomes exponentially more expensive as soon as your parents aren't obligated to take care of everything you need. I'd go so far as to arg

Spot on. "Free time" becomes exponentially more expensive as soon as your parents aren't obligated to take care of everything you need. I'd go so far as to argue that the foundations of a successful technical career need the groundwork laid out for them way before someone turns 18. It requires a supportive, nuclear household where science and knowledge are held in high regard. Having at least one parent being technically apt is a big plus also.