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I've been in business for myself for almost 20 years. I started at age 18, as an antique dealer. My store has always been fluid, changing with the times and the economy. When I started 18 years ago, my store was situated in a neighborhood that you would call "seedy", to be generous. It was the perfect location for a used retail store. I've always managed to thrive, even though the "Great Recession ". At this point in my life, I'm mostly an appliance dealer. I make a good living at my shop, and I don't really work (physically) hard anymore. I still find find myself working 7 days a week mostly, about 60-70 hours. After all is said and done, I make about $150k per year, net. Give or take. My my background is in industrial machines. Ever since I was 10 I was maintaining food processing equipment for my family business. My brother took over said business and has really thrived on a level most of us commoners could not even imagine. He really needs/ wants me to work for him. Ill cut to the chase. Hes offering me $105 k to start, working a very structured 40 hour work week. Retirement, insurance, etc. My neighborhood where my store resides has really gentrified, now my location is in high demand. I can rent my storefronts for basically more than what my business can afford to pay. About $50k per year. So option 1: stay, make about 150 per year, long hours, employees, inconsistent income. Option 2: get a job, make a bit less (after taxes), at least for now. I would easily believe my salary will double within 10 years. Very standard 40 hour week, weekends off, vacation, more time with my family. Sounds like a no brainer, but I'm terrified. I've never made such a big life decision.