On my side it would be to accept that I'm not one of the best game developers in the world and making a career in normal Business Software development.

Making sure to switch companies when you hit a dead road.

Always communicating to your manager what you expect.

Driving the career instead of hoping you get a raise alone makes a huge difference.

Or I also moved to a big city instead of staying in a small city because I knew that my chances for a career are much higher.

I have not studied, and I reached 6 figures by myself and my old friends earn half of what I make (not USA)

And yes I actually enjoy doing a great job slightly independent from what I do.