About 10 million in assets with 2 million liquid cash.

Have you considered real estate investing? Sure you'll get there slowly but 10m might be a realistic goal over say 30 yrs.

One thing I like about it myself as I am looking into it is you tie up the wealth and you are therefore less likely to up your lifestyle as you get wealthier. On the other hand a well paid job may encourage one to spend more. Let alone tax considerations. Not sure about USA but in Australia the tax system is ludicrously in favour of investing and particularly in real estate.

Assuming you aren't trolling, you're talking about a millionaire, then.

I don't know if a lot of programmers become millionaires from freelancing (or worse yet, employed by somebody).

No, I am not. I also consider myself successful for my age. Are there hundreds of outliers, probably yes. But, my question is - how business folks become successful and wealthy?

They solve other people's problems. They make something people want. They have leveraged value. Get an MBA, make friends, expand your network. Be the best and help others.