If I had it to do over again: Start and run a business. The two biggest points: (1) In something stable that will last for your whole career. (2) With a geo

If I had it to do over again: Start and run a business. The two biggest points: (1) In something stable that will last for your whole career. (2) With a geographical barrier to entry so that you are not in competition with people more than, say, 100 miles away. A third point can help: Have the business need 'professional certification'. Examples: Dentistry. Podiatry. Dermatology. Electrical engineering consultancy. Other examples: Electrician. General contracting. Big truck, little truck in, say, plumbing supplies, electricians supplies. For more: Have the wife and kids help in the business. Pass the business down to the kids.