And you happen to be in a field that boomed (several times) during your career and was (and to some degree still is) a quite dynamic environment. I'm glad it w

And you happen to be in a field that boomed (several times) during your career and was (and to some degree still is) a quite dynamic environment. I'm glad it worked out for you (and me) but we must acknowledge that luck is indeed a significant contributor. Let's imagine that instead of getting into programming you began working odd jobs in a field that is generally low income. Some would make it to the top but most will not move forward despite working hard. From a personal anecdote I have a close relative who is an incredible hard worker in a job adjecant to elder care. As far as I can tell their work ethic is higher than my own (no time for water cooler talks or "code is compiling") but unless things change drastically they will never make more than minimum wage. It's fair to say that natural skill plays a big role. Despite best effort they wouldn't be abel to get a programming or othe office job because just finishing their apprenticeship took increadible effort and diligence. In their mid twenties their parents still support them (a little bit) and being anything close to a sole bread winner is highly unrealistic. There are economic reasons why some people are paid better but I'd say "pure luck" is a larger portion then most of us would like to admit. Some people get a yacht and a nice holiday home for their 12 hours shifts and some get to pay their rent.