Great post and I am sorry that you have suffered these failures. While I agree with you that the scam artist influencers share some of the blame, I think there

Great post and I am sorry that you have suffered these failures. While I agree with you that the scam artist influencers share some of the blame, I think there is another culprit at work here: the mindset that it must be the "brass ring" or nothing! What about a simpler path of just being a good developer, working for a stable tech company and building a life around the good salary, good work and good people that an IT Career affords? Though I also had dreams of a hit product and failed at one such endeavor, it was as a side-gig, and I have become modestly successful in my career. Or maybe I should say "successful enough". I hope you can also find a path that is deeply satisfying. Best Wishes!