[fastneutron]

Disregard them. A lot of people fixate on the 1 in a billion celebrity exceptions like Musk, Thiel, Gates, Dyson, et al and go “look look you don’t need a PhD!”

Yes, a highly motivated college dropout with a computer, a strong financial safety net, and the right social connections can be in the right place at the right time to seize big opportunities. Most people are not in that position. Many high-impact technologies need more than what just a computer can do.

The main thing is to be self aware enough to know the path you’re on, what paths are available to you, and how to make the most of the connections and resources you have available to you. The second you start to get pigeonholed, wrap things up and move on.

[xanderlewis]

> The second you start to get pigeonholed...

That seems like good advice.

[etrautmann]

Yes! Be very aware of your time and opportunity costs. It can be an amazing journey, struggles and all, but make sure to not get stuck long-hauling on something you’re not passionate about.