I feel like people overstate just how massive the divide between SF unicorns and everywhere else is. While I admit I'm not on the 100k+ salaries of the big five, I'm definitely not struggling and pulling all nighters - I work 8 hours a day, 90% of the time from home, with the odd evening of working on something if I'm particularly into it.
For that I get paid a decent salary for my area, get to do a job I find interesting, and without having to live in London.
For that I get paid a decent salary for my area, get to do a job I find interesting, and without having to live in London.