Similar situation. Im a mechanical engineer, quit and started a somewhat niche aerospace machine/fab shop. It has been easily the worst year of my entire life but at least now we’re starting to bring in a lot of business and grow.

After doing this, I would say theres a TON more value in buying an existing business vs starting your own. If you can work a situation with a retiring owner where they can show you the ropes thats perfect.

Think of a solitary confinement prison sentence, but combined with having an order of magnitude more responsibility than youve ever had in your life for anything.