Building a business that earns $250k/year isn't just a fixed income though - you get the money, but _you also now own a business_. In effect you've earned a $2

Building a business that earns $250k/year isn't just a fixed income though - you get the money, but _you also now own a business_. In effect you've earned a $250k income _and_ ~$1 million dollar asset you can sell later (one which will also likely keep growing in value well above most other assets return rates). The reality is a bit more complicated, but there is definitely significant value in 100% equity in a successful business that will often be larger than your paycheck. And that's before you get into the flexibility and other upsides of being your own boss, the long-term CV & reputation benefits of this for whatever else you want to do next, etc etc.