Comment by nrhrjrjrjtntbt

False trichotomy. Big tech (or big AI e.g. OpenAI, Anthropic) has way more interesting AI / infra challenges than the dorm room startup where you share a bunk with the founder and work 9 9 6 or 100hr weeks building a flaky gpt wrapper.

Stay in big tech (baby or no baby) for interesting work. Id aim to get the skills to be chased if passionate. Also gaining skills fits around family life more than being chucked on a plane last minute for client meeting.