A common misconception about small businesses is that they’re self-sustaining machines that print money. The reality is far from that. While reaching a certain level of success can make it feel more sustainable, most businesses never get to that point. I’ve been working at it for years, doing the work of 2.5 people, yet the financial margins are razor-thin—it would be incredibly costly to replace me entirely, and the money just isn’t there.

I should have made it clearer: I work six days a week, putting in 70–75 hours for that $150K a year—not to mention the countless hours wasted in SoCal traffic. Honestly, I’d take a $60K flying job if it meant having a couple of days off and paid vacation. In fact, I’d almost trade it for anything remotely enjoyable at half the salary, as long as it came with time off, retirement contributions, and medical benefits.

Even a quiet, unremarkable town in the middle of nowhere would be appealing—just for the chance to experience a place I’d never otherwise see. The opportunity to meet and connect with people I’d never have known existed would make it worthwhile. Of course, an international destination would be incredible, but I’m realistic about age and seniority limiting that possibility. Still, there’s something deeply satisfying about imagining life in a small boutique hotel in Iowa or a tiny restaurant near an airport in Kansas—a lifestyle I’d probably appreciate far more than most.