Gates absolutely took a risk. He devoted many years of his life to something that may not have panned out. He could have spent those same years working his way

Gates absolutely took a risk. He devoted many years of his life to something that may not have panned out. He could have spent those same years working his way up at say, IBM. Opportunity cost is a real risk. It's not the same as being homeless, but that doesn't make it not a risk.