I was also in the financial sector for a good 7yrs from various banks. In June, called it quits and I'm now helping my dad with his business. Can't really say i'm starting out fresh since he is in this industry for 30years liao but i will want to start out on my own maybe 2-3years later.
However, took a paycut of 60% which is quite a shock and i'm still slowly adjusting to this since there are still fixed payments like insurances, telco bills. Used to earn about 90k /p.a.
First 4months, i felt very mindf*ck on whether to go back to corporate life since my boss was asking whether i want to go back. I missed the good monthly salary of at least 6k which i could easily save 50% of it. Luckily my wife is supportive since it's our family business and will my dad will need someone to take charge of it next time.
So far so good just need some more time to get a hang of it since it's a women related business. Highly competitive with low margins but still able to make do exporting overseas. Timing is very much flexible. Start work at 10-11am, leave at 7-8pm.
I've a friend in the early childhood business operating 4 childcare/tuition centres. It's lucrative but very tiring handling kids + parents. Good cashflow too without building much debts. Good thing is that alot of market leaders (mindchamps etc) are overflowing with students that they can't take in thus these parents who can't get a space will look for alternate centres.
Recently, together with another friend, we invested in an online tutor search portal.. hope this takes off well.
Personally, i find being a boss more tiring then being an employee. There are too many aspects of handling a business which can just go wrong but got problems just solve it lo right? Which business doesn't face obstacles..
NOT NOW THEN WHEN?! 