I think it’s much easier to be a high paid technologist than it is to be a high paying model. Both are difficult, no doubt, but there are vastly, if not infinitely many more models who are barely scraping by earning almost nothing.
I knew of one “talent” agency that was trying to get early on the Instagram model phase who had employed no fewer than 100 absolutely stunning girls who each were barely averaging a couple thousand followers. At least as a no name at FAANG I would have a cushy salary.
what would they have to do in addition? Maybe: have good business skills, networking skills, be independent, be in the right position to spot the right opportunities at the right time?
It's frustrating that luck is such a huge component of life quality.