Yes they are proletariat. In fact, there are a few billionaires that also fall into this group (I believe LeBron James). If you have to sell your labor, you are being exploited and a prole.
Billionaires that were labor originally still had to sell their labor at that time. I suspect some there may be some theory that argues that said billionaires are no longer working class when they cease working and are no longer dependent on their labor, but I am not sure how that’d differ from someone using their labor to get lucky in the stock market and retire early.
Pretty sure as soon as you don’t have to sell your labor anymore to live a somewhat decent live*, you’re not working class anymore, independent of how that happens. Working class background or something.
* That’s a bit subjective of course, but at billionaires levels it’s pretty clear
Yes they are proletariat. In fact, there are a few billionaires that also fall into this group (I believe LeBron James). If you have to sell your labor, you are being exploited and a prole.
How do billionaires “have to” sell their labor?
In reality: they don’t.
In their minds: they fear losing that paycheck just like everyone else.
Billionaires that were labor originally still had to sell their labor at that time. I suspect some there may be some theory that argues that said billionaires are no longer working class when they cease working and are no longer dependent on their labor, but I am not sure how that’d differ from someone using their labor to get lucky in the stock market and retire early.
That also makes them no longer working class.
There is a big difference between a retiree and someone that never had to work.
Which part makes them no longer working class?
Not having to work for a living.
If you are a beggar you aren’t working class either, but obviously there are important distinctions.
Pretty sure as soon as you don’t have to sell your labor anymore to live a somewhat decent live*, you’re not working class anymore, independent of how that happens. Working class background or something.
* That’s a bit subjective of course, but at billionaires levels it’s pretty clear