OP tries to persuade that there is no risk at a personal level to the entrepreneur pursuing a startup. He acknowledges that startups have opportunity costs but

OP tries to persuade that there is no risk at a personal level to the entrepreneur pursuing a startup. He acknowledges that startups have opportunity costs but denies that this is a risk. While I applaud his efforts to encourage his friend to start a company, I think the semantic contortions around the word 'risk' are unproductive. There most certainly is risk that the opportunities forgone could be greater than the benefits (monetary or non-monetary) received. Rather than deny this reality, I'd suggest that it'd be better to sell one's friend on the tremendous upside potential relative the comparatively limited risks of not succeeding (or not even trying). Risk concerns: Do not deny. Refocus.