In a quest to optimize for learning and connections, I quit my cushy corp gig to found a startup. I cut my income from 120k w/ benefits to 54k w/ no benefits.

I didn't regret it for a second because I learned a ton and I met a slew of new and fascinating people (aside from launching a product, building a team, raising money, getting customers, etc.)

The world is full of well-paying gigs for smart people. Go do your startup.