Pretty much this. I have made contacts over the years and “done well” for myself. But never well enough to start a wealth avalanche of any kind.
But properly positioned, I can make a company $20m/yr (as can any solid developer with a little innovativeness). If I knew the right people, I’d be seeing a noticeable percent of that instead of just my “cog in the wheel” salary. But also, it’s a matter of the roles. I’ve worked some roles where I don’t make a company that kind of money. Not because of a skill gap. It was just a different dev job.
If I had a rich dad with the right friends, I’d be wealthy (probably making them richer). It took me over 10 years in the field to even become a senior, but I’ve worked for execs that were “just hired that way” in their 20’s, with no better credentials than I had, but a different last name. Even if I do spectacularly, I’ll still be 15 years behind them with less of a safety net and less leverage.
Pretty much this. I have made contacts over the years and “done well” for myself. But never well enough to start a wealth avalanche of any kind.
But properly positioned, I can make a company $20m/yr (as can any solid developer with a little innovativeness). If I knew the right people, I’d be seeing a noticeable percent of that instead of just my “cog in the wheel” salary. But also, it’s a matter of the roles. I’ve worked some roles where I don’t make a company that kind of money. Not because of a skill gap. It was just a different dev job.
If I had a rich dad with the right friends, I’d be wealthy (probably making them richer). It took me over 10 years in the field to even become a senior, but I’ve worked for execs that were “just hired that way” in their 20’s, with no better credentials than I had, but a different last name. Even if I do spectacularly, I’ll still be 15 years behind them with less of a safety net and less leverage.