I've been reading HN for a long time. I never attempted a startup, moved to the Bay Area or applied to YC, so I've always been on the outside looking in, but over the years software developer salaries continue to skyrocket and I've realized that financial independence is quite possible with a normal "boring" software development career. So I'm focused on maximizing compensation and savings while ensuring that I'm enjoying my day to day life.

My advice to people starting out: if you can save 50% of your take-home income in a month, you have a month of "runway" to do whatever you want, whether that's a startup on your own terms or something completely unprofitable.