Also to add - after re-reading your post and this part: " I've easily bested all my friends and most of my family in pay and benefits."
... it sounds like you're doing fine without working at Google/Apple. It's entirely possible you are already a success but don't think so? Maybe you see it as a way to prove something? Personally, I'd like to know what that feels like to introduce who I am based on an instantly recognizable company.
But even if I do end up in one of those companies someday, I like what Tyer Durden says: "you are not your job". That said, there's a ton of awesome companies to work for other than them.
... it sounds like you're doing fine without working at Google/Apple. It's entirely possible you are already a success but don't think so? Maybe you see it as a way to prove something? Personally, I'd like to know what that feels like to introduce who I am based on an instantly recognizable company.
But even if I do end up in one of those companies someday, I like what Tyer Durden says: "you are not your job". That said, there's a ton of awesome companies to work for other than them.