(1) already have enough money to survive without working, or
(2) don't realize how hard of a life it would be to "flip burgers" to make a living in 2026.
We live very good lives as software developers. Don't be a fool and think you could just "flip burgers" and be fine.
I also did dry cleaning, cleaning service, deli, delivery guy, etc.
Yup I now have enough money to survive without working.
But I also am very low maintenance, thanks to my early life being raised in harsh conditions.
I am not scared to go back flipping burgers again.
it's the part where you don't have to work that matters
You should be - in all likelihood you'd have to work 3 burger-flipping jobs to make enough money to pay rent and buy food. Inflation and housing issues have hit a lot harder than most people who make 6-figure incomes realize. It's really tough out there right now. I am very, very grateful for the income I have and don't take it for granted.