You are comparing 2 different things. Buying a stock is instant. Starting a startup takes years and incumbents already have the same advantage as you. Also, you can sell a stock whenever - liquidity is easy. You can't just throw your hands up and give up a startup that easily, especially if you take funding.

Do you really go through life thinking of reasons why you shouldn't do a thing?

How about "if X did it, I can too." Which way would you prefer to live?

Neither? You think of the pros and cons and take it from there.

I guess given that you don't want to play the game, I should have known.