You could compare a start-up to "going back to school for 2 years". The costs (lost income, lots of time, some expense) and benefits (an exciting project, and p

You could compare a start-up to "going back to school for 2 years". The costs (lost income, lots of time, some expense) and benefits (an exciting project, and possibly better employment in the future) are arguably similar. I'd actually say "I'm thinking about either starting my own company, or going back to school for 2 years". That way, you can thresh out the issues in terms she has a better feel for. Also, she will have a laundry list of things she objects to. Is the big issue (and there will be a big issue) a long term or short term problem?