[erik998]

The top 3-5% of software engineers do not work at startups. They work via their own S Corporation... Why? To copy the same way most doctors and high end professions get paid...

1. solo 401k - hit maximum contribution limit (57k-63.5k)

2. cash balance/defined benefit plan - your solo pension plan up to 3 million For year 2021, the maximum compensation is $290,000 to contribute to your defined benefit plan...

As governments grant corporations better preference in tax treatment, you really got to ask yourself why anyone would want to be a W-2 employee anymore... (w-2 employee of your solo S-corp is the exception)

Nothing stopping any company from giving you options as well...

Some extra rules and costs arise with defined benefit plans but well worth it.

SV wants capitalism and free markets but when forced to do so with workers the hesitation comes up... but but but you gotta come a play foozeball at work on the weekends... and we gotta share a beer and tell me about your dev friends..

https://www.manning-napier.com/insights/blogs/research-libra...

https://saberpension.com/defined-benefit-plans-self-employed

https://www.dedicated-db.com/one-person-plus/