The Sacrifices of Family and Career: Why I Chose Stability Over EntrepreneuRSHIP

The Sacrifices of Family and Career: Why I Chose Stability Over Entrepreneurship

March 17, 2025

The other day, a friend asked me about the business I once planned to start years ago. It was a dream of mine, something I had carefully thought through, but life took a different turn. A tough situation in my marriage forced me to put those plans on hold, setting both the business and my marriage back. Instead of dwelling on what could have been, I leaned into my career ambitions, which eventually led me to Marketing roles that have provided stability. While I still do side gigs in video and photography, my priorities have shifted significantly over the years.

These days, my focus isn’t on building a business but on being present for my family. I own a home, have a son, and help run his YouTube channel when I can. I’m actively involved in my church, coach my son’s soccer team, and spend as much time as possible with my family. Upgrading our house, making memories, and being available—these are the things that matter most to me. It’s not easy stepping away from nights out with friends or missing out on some of the personal freedoms I once had, but I’ve chosen to stay nearby, be present, and watch my son grow up. It’s a sacrifice, but one I’m willing to make.

Running my own business would be rewarding, but the uncertainty is something I can’t ignore. The idea of unlimited income sounds appealing, but being on call 24/7 isn’t. Clocking out at 4 PM and knowing I can fully dedicate my time to my family is more valuable to me than the stress of chasing the next big client. Instead, I’ve shifted my financial mindset toward investing in the stock market—learning about ETFs, dividends, and the patterns of market fluctuations. Whether the market is up or down, I keep investing, knowing that long-term growth is the key to financial security.

Of course, I’d be lying if I said I never fear losing my career job. It’s a thought that crosses my mind—what if one day, the steady paycheck stops? But I remind myself that I have savings, skills, and the ability to pivot. If that day ever comes, I know I’d have time to work on more YouTube content with my son, take on freelance work, and find another job. I might feel down for a few days, but I’m a focused guy. I have my faith, my church community, and my resilience to fall back on. Walks in the fresh air, gym sessions, prayer, and meditation on the Word would help me realign and push forward. Having a Plan B, C, and D gives me confidence that I’d find a way to provide.

In the end, I may never become a multimillionaire, but that’s not my goal. My goal is to be present, to have spent meaningful time with my son and family, and to have financial security along the way. If YouTube takes off one day—through merch or sponsorships —that would be incredible. Until then, I’ll keep working on it with my son while staying focused on what matters most. Life isn’t just about money; it’s about who you spend it with and the legacy you leave behind.