> is be willing to do it cheap for awhile

Then you might as well work for yourself.

> getting into this industry for the money

I can make more money doing HVAC but I'm tired of being on hot roofs.

> the path forward is a lot murkier.

If you're just here for the money go somewhere else. If you're here because you love computer science then ignore these people and do the work. If you can't find a company get a dayjob and do it for yourself.