You can't beat being a "successful" influencer. You get way more money, freedom, etc. As a "Software Engineer" you're just a regular W4 employee. As a YouTuber you're a Business Owner with tons of tax benefits and deductions you can take. It doesn't even compare.. I know we tend Glorify Engineers here but the truth is there's many ways out there to make a lot of money without having to glue your eyes to a computer screen and keyboard.

Personally it feels like a short lived career but can acknowledge that some have a future in tangent industries.