If I could weigh in on the entire controversy here, in hindsight, I wish I hadn't read either of the articles - I'm none the richer after the consumption of a ton of vitriol.

And here's why, in my opinion. Both Justin Vincent and Alex Payne have different perspectives / world views, shaped obviously by their life experiences. And neither of them is entirely wrong. Or right.

But when they attempt to offer universal advice and proselytize the entire world, their opinions degenerate into religion. Which is exactly why we've had passionate commentators weigh in with an almost religious fervor... and intolerance.

Please let's put paid to this nontroversy with a simple "to each his own", and get back to what we all do best - building stuff (that may impact a handful or billions).

I don't see what the big controversy is. Investments in your career can be high risk or low risk. Society needs some amount of both to progress. Though it is sometimes abused, I'm glad we have a system that lets you buy off the risk.

Hindsight is 20/20. Entrepreneurs should understand that if you swing for the fences that failure is likely. It's about the risk/reward tradeoff. These risks should be understood, mitigated as much as possible, and accepted before undertaking any venture. The bullet points you mentioned are a part of that risk. There should be no regrets if one has thought through them.

Yes, there are arrogant people swinging for the fences. But there are others who have thought through it. My 2 cents.

Agreed :) Except that I _thought_ I would have no regrets... until I failed 5 times!

After the 5th failure I was like. Hmm. There must be another way...

(Just to clarify I consider the Music career as the 1st of the 5 failures)

Understood. People will usually regret the things they did not do e.g. not getting that girl's phone # :) If you didn't swing for the fences, you might be regretting that.