Hi Digital_Everest,

Thanks for stopping by and reading! So to answer your questions, firstly, I didn't have student loans, and to be honest, I'm not a huge fan of them. I stayed in-state and lived VERY cheaply while going to school (I did part of my education at the local community college and have no shame in that)! Unless you get a scholarship to go to and out-of-state school, I don't think it makes much sense to leave your home state.

In regards to salary-my first job paid $66,500, which isn't super high for silicon valley.

I totally think that more people-if they really want to-can earn six-figures a year under 30; it doesn't need to all come from an employer. There are so many ways to make money, and your 9-5 job is just one. I make money outside of my job by writing on this platform, and that's just one option out of the millions of ways of increasing your income.

I also don't recommend going to college unless you need to. I work in STEM, and thus I needed a degree. Going into engineering of course will lend a higher salary than if you obtain a liberal arts degree.

For folks outside of STEM or law, I'd recommend skipping college and going into real estate, lending, or a trade. You can earn six-figures with many trades, and they are often overlooked by young people!