As pointed out, get straight in your head the difference between "wealth" and "rich". "Wealthy" means you can do all the things you like to do all the time, "rich" means you have a big number in an account with one or more financial institutions.
Most folks I know in the bay area don't want to "retire" what they want is to work on what ever their passion leads them too without worrying that if it isn't paying them anything that they will have to stop or starve.
If you can save half your salary every year then you will get to a point where you have enough money in an account that it can pay you an equivalent to half your salary without working.
If you work at a large tech firm and participate in their employee stock purchase program and/or get stock options, then you are doubly leveraged as that can add a nice kicker to your salary.
Solving people's problems will keep you employed, and finding a solution space that you like to work in will keep you happy. Always remember that the end game is you just die, and that can come any time.
If you find happiness in owning a new car each year, I suggest you consider working for an automobile manufacturer.
>> If you work at a large tech firm and participate in their employee stock purchase program and/or get stock options, then you are doubly leveraged as that can add a nice kicker to your salary.
Normally this is OK, but can be a concentration of risk if all your wealth is tied up in salary from your employer and stock from your employer. Ask Lehmans employees.
Most folks I know in the bay area don't want to "retire" what they want is to work on what ever their passion leads them too without worrying that if it isn't paying them anything that they will have to stop or starve.
If you can save half your salary every year then you will get to a point where you have enough money in an account that it can pay you an equivalent to half your salary without working.
If you work at a large tech firm and participate in their employee stock purchase program and/or get stock options, then you are doubly leveraged as that can add a nice kicker to your salary.
Solving people's problems will keep you employed, and finding a solution space that you like to work in will keep you happy. Always remember that the end game is you just die, and that can come any time.
If you find happiness in owning a new car each year, I suggest you consider working for an automobile manufacturer.