Anyone else feels like the 'golden age' of Software Engineering, with $100k sign-on bonus out of college, is coming to an end?

If you are in school it seems now better to just become a founder/creator than aiming for FAANG

building far.quest & @wieldlabs.eth. cofounder at miy.com ventures. FID #274. Previously Square/Cash App. https://hiimnico.xyz/

I graduated 1.5 years ago and I can tell you that FAANGs still pay 99% better than other jobs, also offering H1B sponsorship.

Sign on bonuses are a bit lower but still significant

🕯️they/them, candlemaker at https://humankind.place

I think a lot of people who are smart and ambitious would make great founders. But I also find that many people attracted to FAANG roles are looking for a comfortable lifestyle, and a bit risk averse. 

How would you quantify better payoff as a founder?

You had way better upward mobility at FAANG, but not anymore. aside from Visa issues, the payoff is now significantly higher as a founder. 

Hence if you are smart & ambitious you should have less fomo about the 'big tech salary'