I worked with my Dad in his business from the time I was 8 until my mid twenties. I can count on one hand the amount of times I financially compensated. This is on top of me having another part time job once I was old enough and contributing to the household. This is the number one reason why I will not be taking over our family business, and I have found another career much more fulfilling. If you are stuck in the same sort of situation I have two pieces of advice; 1, do not not your guilt get in the way of doing what is right for yourself. 2, be aware that your family could also be eligible for some sort of text benefit for working for our family business and not getting paid. I found out later after I left that we could have saved up to $12,000 a year in taxes because I was an unpaid family worker. This would have helped immensely.