I was a real bright kid and like many I had the opportunity to go to several pretty prestigious Universities and pursue a STEM degree, which I didn't take. I did the pioneer thing with part time work for a while but I got married and as a result, sat down one night and said, "This is just not working."
So, I got a job with a real company, a large company, that had a tendency to let you do whatever you were able to do and bootstrapped my way up to some very responsible positions whose job requirements specified at least a Masters Degree and preferably a PhD, but the company was good about waving their magic wand and declaring that I had the equivalent. Several patents and quite a few technical papers helped. I had guys with Doctorates working for me. I was a good conservative boy, saved my money and invested, lived a disciplined life and retired in a very comfortable financial position. I didn't make the 1% but I did make the 5%. Some skills I got from the Organization were quite useful.
I'd say, I did it, but it was a whole lot harder than it should have been and I could feel the ice crackling under me every step of the way. I will also say I could have made less money and engaged in more intellectual pursuits and probably have been happier. But, all in all, I can't complain. I have had the opportunity to see and do things that the majority of people do not.