[tlapinsk]

Completely agree with this point (especially the third). If you look at high income individuals, many have had a hand in building a new business or lead businesses. Same goes for consulting - imagine charging 20+ clients over the course of a year and the income that will generate.

You'll have to work your ass off, but if money is what you're after, starting your own business (or businesses), consulting, and high end freelance work are incredible places for this.

A fourth may be pure finance (M&A, PE, hedge funds). People in that business long enough and high enough on the chain make VERY good money.