Anecdotally, a lot of people in big tech do have that mindset. I think the funnier part is that anecdotally, a lot more people think they're going to do 5 year

Anecdotally, a lot of people in big tech do have that mindset. I think the funnier part is that anecdotally, a lot more people think they're going to do 5 years and bounce than actually do. Because they end up getting romantically involved with and having kids with someone who also values their career, or they get a big break (e.g. promoted quickly or rsu/options exploding... try walking away from $500k/y at 28 to move somewhere where the most you could make is $100k/y). So while a lot of people have that mindset, adherence is less. I think the differences regarding expenses aren't that much. Yes, you have to pay for rent and utilities. But you'll probably get some food at work (I get 15 meals a week). You might have a gym at work. You might have entertainment options arranged through and paid for by work. Work might pay for your public transportation or have a private transportation network. They might even pay for your internet bill and give you a phone with an unlimited plan (caveat usor).