What do you count as independently wealthy?  Middle class (1-3 years savings, good education, professional job prospects) to successful startup founder is not uncommon enough to call an outlier - I personally know at least half a dozen people with that background and story.  It&#x27;s not exactly <i>easy</i>, but people can do it.<p>It is much harder for working-class folks (no savings, no college degree, no unique skills) to make the jump.