Thanks! Not cynical at all, because you're right. I hope I can write here a bit.
In my case I'm a self taught software engineer, and since I don't have FANG experience I'm already behind I guess. However, what will always keep me behind is staying in my small town that's 90 minutes from the closest metro, and where there is basically no major tech presence. I do have some decent experience on my belt that includes big companies and a late joiner at a tech unicorn startup.
I don't have millions of dollars saved, but after a small liquidation event I've got close to 110k in my bank account, and another few 100k's in equities/retirement that is my safety net. I know 110k is not a lot in the bay area, but I've already sold most of my things and I'm asset-light in my personal life once I manage to sell the remaining couple pieces of furniture. All I've got is my cat, my laptop, and a suitcase of my clothes lol.
I'm on my last day in SF and I have already made up my mind to move here. Going to try my best to network and build connections. Maybe it will go somewhere, at least there is enough personal runway for me for a couple years if I can live a modest lifestyle. If nothing works out, I will try to get into a FANG or another high-tier company.
In my case I'm a self taught software engineer, and since I don't have FANG experience I'm already behind I guess. However, what will always keep me behind is staying in my small town that's 90 minutes from the closest metro, and where there is basically no major tech presence. I do have some decent experience on my belt that includes big companies and a late joiner at a tech unicorn startup.
I don't have millions of dollars saved, but after a small liquidation event I've got close to 110k in my bank account, and another few 100k's in equities/retirement that is my safety net. I know 110k is not a lot in the bay area, but I've already sold most of my things and I'm asset-light in my personal life once I manage to sell the remaining couple pieces of furniture. All I've got is my cat, my laptop, and a suitcase of my clothes lol.
I'm on my last day in SF and I have already made up my mind to move here. Going to try my best to network and build connections. Maybe it will go somewhere, at least there is enough personal runway for me for a couple years if I can live a modest lifestyle. If nothing works out, I will try to get into a FANG or another high-tier company.
Cheers!