[themitigating]

I won't be out of debt for another year. I'm not blaming anyone either. I had savings but not enough and I should have been more careful.

I do get angry when I see people practically foaming at the mouth when Twitter employees get fired. When they are asked about whether it's right their response is something like "big tech employees deserve".

[jacobyoder]

Somewhat similar reaction - not specifically to Twitter folks, but in general 'techbro' type situations, where people think $500k comp is normal, expected, or hell, even 'deserved'. You got lucky (genetics, right place/right time, etc) along with whatever talent and hard work you've put in.

Have been in your situation where I got in to debt (mid 5 figures). Even after getting new jobs, it was a few years of grind to get back to 0, then several more to have some semblance of long-term savings, all while reducing consumption/expenditures dramatically.

Unsure what "not enough" was, but the standard "3 months" savings advice - even doubling to 6 - is really at the low end. For mid-career software folks, I recommend people aiming for at least a couple years of cash-like savings. Yes, it's hard, but it's easier than in many other professions.