That's a really informed comment from both sides of the exact fence. >there's either failure or a big payout that dwarfs the FAANG salary. Tech or not I think

That's a really informed comment from both sides of the exact fence. >there's either failure or a big payout that dwarfs the FAANG salary. Tech or not I think it usually doesn't dwarf anything but if it comes close, a little bit low or high, that's a huge milestone above failure. In that case it might allow you to maintain readiness for an incredible bonanza which might be within reach only from beyond that point, and that can be what dwarfs the "big payout". IOW depending on the situation, occasional big payouts that really just even things out may not be very life-changing even if they are big, but it can give you more rolls of the dice at things that can't be approached any other way.