It’s been 31 years since I passed the bar exam. And the hardest decision I ever made turned out to be the best one.

I had a great job as a senior associate at a top-tier law firm, working with colleagues I respected and admired. But in 2005, my wife’s career as a physician required us to live far from my office. Remote work wasn’t a practical option then, so I took a leap and started my own practice.

My deals no longer make the New York Times or Wall Street Journal, but they’re fulfilling in other ways. Expanding into estate planning has brought even greater personal satisfaction—helping families prepare for the future is deeply rewarding.

I’m not the perfect small business owner, and I could’ve made more money and acclaim staying in the corporate world. But the trade-offs were worth it. Running my own firm gave me the freedom to be there for my grandson during his cancer battle, to care for my grandparents, and to be a better son to my mom.

The lesson? Don’t be afraid. Security as an employee is an illusion, and the fear of entrepreneurship is often overstated. There’s nothing more empowering than being the captain of your own fate. #TuesdayThoughts #SuccessStory #EntrepreneurJourney #SmallBusinessOwner #Inspiration