In lots of tech fields the comp packages are so high this shouldn't be an issue. With good financial planning lots of engineers could actually retire in just ~15 years or so of work.

Coding until I die? sign me up

Ageism.

Contract work, side projects that make revenue, etc.

Opportunities are always there for those who keep an open mind and a growth mindset.

Let’s not derail the thread, but there are lots of people with college educations who can still only get a minimum wage job. Opportunities are not endless, nor always there.

It’s entire possible you jump off the corporate ladder and never make it back on, your wages permanently stunted and your career prospects dimmed.

Ok let me update it. Opportunities are always there for enterprising, confident and contrarian thinkers who will take several chances with low downside and try to create new things rather than compete within existing paradigms.

Disclaimer: Not financial advice but personal observations

This discounts the high failure low success rates of entrepreneurship, which is dangerous advice in a country with a broken healthcare system and no social safety net.

Again, it’s not an OR situation. One can try doing side projects while one works full time.