The big tech giants are paying enough that most engineers don't consider the risk of opening their own business to be worth it.
Owning the shop provides intangibles like being your own boss, somewhat less sedentary lifestyle, more community interaction, etc. But the financial rewards are most likely no better than being a developer at a FANG.
That corner shop may have been started decades ago. The opportunity to buy it at a reasonable price has probably long past.
The big tech giants are paying enough that most engineers don't consider the risk of opening their own business to be worth it.
Owning the shop provides intangibles like being your own boss, somewhat less sedentary lifestyle, more community interaction, etc. But the financial rewards are most likely no better than being a developer at a FANG.
That corner shop may have been started decades ago. The opportunity to buy it at a reasonable price has probably long past.