I think something to keep in mind (really for any job search scenario) is that there will be companies, people and company cultures that just won't get what you

I think something to keep in mind (really for any job search scenario) is that there will be companies, people and company cultures that just won't get what you're doing and what you stand for. Some hiring managers who know great teams are made up of players from very differing backgrounds will get it. Hiring managers who have been there themselves (gone the entrepreneurial route) will also get it. You may have to pace your audience here and select companies that seem to embrace bringing on people like yourself. You can do this kind of research on the company itself, on the hiring manager (check their LinkedIn) or see if you can set up a call with someone on the team. It's easier said than done, but if you can honestly believe (by yourself) that what you did for those years is an asset then it will just come through in telling your story. For context, I've come from a mixed experience background with some gaps where I started things and experimented. Although it did slow my formal career path, it's made me much more valuable than someone else with the same traditional years experience. Good luck!