Reading this I think I might qualify as the archetype referred to in the article. I spent 15 years working in investment banking IT - which obviously doesn't pa

Reading this I think I might qualify as the archetype referred to in the article. I spent 15 years working in investment banking IT - which obviously doesn't pay anything like the traders/senior management, but still probably 4 or 5 times more than might be average in London. Five years ago I felt this was a huge amount, but amazingly it's still only just enough to have a flat (not a house) in London. Like the OP said, I didn't really save a lot - a lot went into equity for a flat. I decided at 36 to just give the 'startup thing' a go a few month ago, and made http://www.fabfabbers.com http://www.fabfabbers.com - but while I don't think what I've made is all that great, for me its been much more of a formative experience. Seeing really for the first time what it's like not to have a job to go to every day, what it's like to people to have zero respect for what you're doing, what it's like trying to focus on a product rather than just being a techy. In summary, I'm with the OP on this - I think making money is a decent aim - not least because if people are willing to part with money for your product or service, then in many ways that's an undeniable indication that what you're providing is worthwhile (unless you're a power company ;-)