I've been talking to a lot of other small business owners lately and one common theme I'm seeing is that we're all burnt out. 2020 and 21 were profitable, majorly so, but employees have become a nightmare and everyone seems to be at a mental breaking point. Employees, Taxes, Insurance cost, it's just not worth it right now.

I'm considering cutting back to two days a week. We made a budget and we can live and save money on my wife staying home and me working in the field two days with a third for paper work and estimates.

You can't buy time. The things I want to do don't require much money. I want more land but with prices it's out of reach unless I make 500,000 a year. Better to make 75,000 and just enjoy life a bit.

This is similar to what I told my wife last year. I did more and had more fun and friends when I was an Ironworker apprentice or even after I topped out. I was layde off several months a year and on the end of the year on my best years made 2/3 less money more offer than not half or even a quarter of the income I make now.

My wife stays home and homeschools the kids. They are heavy involves in 4h and church. It's a great life the only thing missing is me.

Thats been my outlook for a long while. If you spend every waking moment making money, if thats what you truly enjoy, then more power to you. I just want to be able to buy a new washer when I need one or whatever and have time for me and mine.

When I sit down and run a few numbers, I realize that greed has paid off.

When crunching a few more numbers, I realize that I need more greed.