As someone with older kids who are in their late 20’s, I’m glad to hear some of the younger people are willing to do whatever it takes to get their finances under control, and plan for their future.
If I’m not mistaken, the subject of the Harvard Blog lives in Texas, and, if so, the low cost of living there was, no doubt, a contributing factor to his successful financial plan.
Our kids were never interested in leaving CA, (one went to NYC for awhile, but is now back), and, thankfully, they have been able to succeed financially in the state they love, but many of their friends have left for lower-cost-of-living locations out of necessity.
I think it’s great that many young people are willing to do whatever they need to do in order succeed. As the OP mentioned, it appears lessons have been learned.