Millionaire in your thirties
You might be closer to winning the game than you think.
Let me connect two of my passions today: careers in tech and personal finance.
My journey to becoming a Software Development Manager (L6) at Amazon took 10 years, three companies, and three countries. It was a long road, but it doesn’t have to take you that long.
That’s why I love talking to interns and recent graduates about the incredible opportunities they have when they join a company like Amazon or any of the FAANGs. It’s like starting their football career at Real Madrid, they’re playing in the big leagues from day one.
Imagine this: You’re in your early twenties, fresh out of college, and you land a summer internship that pays $8,000 a month. You work hard, deliver results, earn a return offer, and join as a Software Engineer (L4) with a total compensation of $180,000 per year. Two and a half years later, you’ve consistently raised the bar, delivered results, and earned a promotion to L5 with a total compensation of $250,000.
One year later, just four years in, you’ve earned over $720,000. Stop and read that number again. Out loud, please.
If you’ve been disciplined with your finances—saving and investing just 20% of your income, plus employer matches—you could already have a net worth close to $200,000. You’ve paid off your student loans, you’re living well in your twenties, and you’re just getting started. Amigo, the future is bright.
You’re on track to becoming a millionaire by your early thirties.
Moving up to L6 will take longer, likely 3 to 4 more years if you’re a consistent top performer. But in the meantime, you’ll see steady growth in your total compensation.
The bar is high, expectations are intense, and timelines can be tight. You’ll face setbacks along the way. But the opportunity is massive, and the rewards come sooner than for most people.
And here’s something people often overlook: these early years are the easiest time to lean in. Later, life gets more complex: family, kids, and other responsibilities will take center stage. Don’t dismiss the chance you have now.
If you’re an individual contributor, know this: the game is winnable, and you’re closer than you think if you take advantage of the opportunities.
If you’re a people manager, talk about this with your direct reports. Sharing your experiences and helping your team see what’s possible can change their trajectories. Some will thank you years later; others might not. But you’ll know you did your job.
