That's one thing I was definitely envious of American teens of, as a French teenager. I did odd jobs for family friends etc., but that was a few hundred euros every few months at most; I was jealous of my internet friends in the US who were making the same in a week or so by working at the local coffee shop/tee shirt store.

They could drive too, which I cared less about because buses/subways/trains seemed much less of a hassle and much safer.

considering the costs of telescopes, that's not a bad return on a hobby

I am amazed by his work. I followed him on cloudynights forum. But let's not kid ourselves. Of course he has enabling and smart parents.