You're completely right that I was very fortunate. All I'm saying is that if your goal is financial independence, it can be hard to get there on a straight salary, and that trying to get some sliver of equity can radically increase your odds of financial success.
With that specific piece of advice, I'm trying to catch folks in Nebraska or Cleveland who are thinking about accepting a 9-5 job, not folks who are already in the Bay Area and familiar with buying a ticket in the startup lottery.
With that specific piece of advice, I'm trying to catch folks in Nebraska or Cleveland who are thinking about accepting a 9-5 job, not folks who are already in the Bay Area and familiar with buying a ticket in the startup lottery.