[markh]

The article above is specifically about VC-funded companies by definition. Nobody is arguing that you can’t be a successful entrepreneur outside of a startup hub. But if you’re going to play the “bubble metrics” game, raise VC, grow rapidly and exit for “bubble metrics” valuations, your odds are way higher if you move. Silicon Valley is generally full of young founders. They move before they have families. They couch-surf, eat ramen noodles and don’t let concern for a safety net impede possible success (however unlikely that is).

[sudosteph]

Parents are family. Siblings are family. If you have the ability move across the country without worrying if your family will be able to get by without you helping them either in person or financially, you already have a safety net that many working class Americans don't.

Everyone ate ramen in college to get by, but most folks had the option to go back home and stay with their parents if college didn't work out. That's what you're describing here. Please don't conflate choosing to live frugally in exchange for additional opportunity with Americans who actually have grown up watching parents work two jobs only to choose between going to the doctor or paying their car payment (which they need to earn income). That's what working class means, that's what not having a safety net means. The consequences are different.