I wouldn't knock freelancing; I've heard of people pulling in $500K+/year with it. Save up for 8-10 years and you've got your F-U money. You don't have to be particularly good (the folks I know who manage that probably aren't any better than your average startup employee or Googler), but you do have to deliver on your projects, work independently, and communicate well. And most importantly, you need to pick an industry with a lot of money. Do freelance projects for banks and $500K/year is easily within reach; do freelance projects for schools, non-profits, or small businesses and you'll be lucky to make $50/hour.