Or I could start my own company and see how that goes ? I really don't buy into 85% people succeed due to sycophancy and even if they do I don't think I want to be one.
1. sell your time: Work as an employee for a couple of years and get some real life experience. Yes, even in company politics. One could actually skip this stage, but hey, you are already doing it, so why not make the best of it? Build your network, get some trainings paid by your company, learn from your managers.
2. sell yourself: do freelancing
3. sell your product: start a company
4. help others building companies and selling their products: compete with Y Combinator
Good luck!