There are very few people who can relate to your problems, though HN is probably the best place to find people who can.

How casually you say "6 figures in AI for big tech" - you are in the 1% of tech people, its going to be hard to "fit in" no matter where you are.

Bay Area, London, Asia (as broad as that is) - anywhere with a major stock exchange will see you right.

Its all about how much you publish / tweet (and get "fan boys") and who you work with.

Its a lonely world, I cant imagine Einstein worrying to much about it - though maybe he did.