On the flip side, I wish people were more open and honest with their careers - I never knew how much money was in certain career paths compared to others. Since then I’m making 5-10x my friends and without trying to rub it in am honest (income is great, but comes with a pound of flesh).

I want them to know so they can make a conscious decision for themselves rather than unknowingly go down a path full of glass ceilings.

Edit: and a good influence pushing me into buying property a decade earlier certainly would have had massive effects on my life too.

Point is leverage your friends’ experience and influence, I’m sure they have a wealth of knowledge or can help you gain a step up (keyword: help, not give you a free ride). Others have said ‘don’t copy’ and I agree in some contexts, but my friends certainly have business gaps I can fill which are mutually beneficial.