We’re talking about an article which also talked about the allure of growing billion dollar companies which YC uses to recruit. My point was simply that there’s a LOT of marketing for “be your own boss” concepts which sound like you’re a lot better off than, say, the typical immigrant who works hard and ends up with a small business paying a decent but not noteworthy income. Those narratives rarely end with “you too could own a laundromat and convenience store in Flushing!”

It’s not just about setting realistic expectations but also recognizing how often there are opportunities which only people with assets can take. For example, being married to someone high income with health insurance means that you are able to take a chance even if it won’t pay the bills immediately whereas someone else is limited to what they can do on the weekends.