The best way to go about it is to stack multiple enterprises. Get the job with big tech if You can, then make small to medium investments in other ventures tha

The best way to go about it is to stack multiple enterprises. Get the job with big tech if You can, then make small to medium investments in other ventures that are not going to cause conflict with your employer. If You can't land the big tech job You can still go for your 2nd option, and still invest in other enterprises. You also shouldn't limit yourself to just software. If your cousin or anyone else for that matter, that You know and trust wants to start a dog walking buisness for example. But they need funds for leashes, a pooper scooper and whatever else, You could invest in or start a partnership with them as long as they have a solid buisness plan. I just used dog walking as an example. There are tons of opportunities out there, especially if You are in a developing country. Ideally choosing ventures that will require none or very little of your time. You won't get rich off any one venture and some You may even lose on, but just as a farmers success depends on how many seeds they have in the ground, the more enterprises you invest in or stack, the greater your chances of success. This strategy will make You financially resilient, which IMHO is much better than being financially independent.