I think you are definitely onto something, although it's a temporary mindset.
I've worked at a startup for exactly the reason you describe as type #2. Consider it practice for my eventual startup (when I will join #1).
But after graduation I declined going back to the startup world and choose path #3. I did this for a very specific reason: stability while I save up some money to let me do #1.
But I disagree with your use of the phrase 'risk everything'. There is almost no way to 'risk everything' at graduation because you have nothing. I thought about going straight to #1, but it would have required living at home with my parents. Instead I moved out and got a job. If you are living at home and being supported, you are almost risking nothing. If your startup fails while your living expenses are $0, you haven't fallen at all.
The risk for someone to jump later in life is far greater. You have savings people can come after if you go bankrupt. You have bills and responsibilities. You truly are risking something. Living with someone else's support right after graduation really isn't risking anything.
I've worked at a startup for exactly the reason you describe as type #2. Consider it practice for my eventual startup (when I will join #1).
But after graduation I declined going back to the startup world and choose path #3. I did this for a very specific reason: stability while I save up some money to let me do #1.
But I disagree with your use of the phrase 'risk everything'. There is almost no way to 'risk everything' at graduation because you have nothing. I thought about going straight to #1, but it would have required living at home with my parents. Instead I moved out and got a job. If you are living at home and being supported, you are almost risking nothing. If your startup fails while your living expenses are $0, you haven't fallen at all.
The risk for someone to jump later in life is far greater. You have savings people can come after if you go bankrupt. You have bills and responsibilities. You truly are risking something. Living with someone else's support right after graduation really isn't risking anything.