Every time I see an article about "easy passive income" I mute the author. Now I rarely see them--but unfiltered Medium is chock full of them. Medium is also full of giddy articles about quitting your 9 to 5 and becoming self employed. 20% of new businesses fail during the first two years of being open, 45% during the first five years, and 65% during the first 10 years.

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In the real world a little over 10 million people are self-employed compared to 132 million employees.

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I was self employed for about 15 years, owning a three store chain of retail beauty supply stores before I went back to school for a elementary school teaching credential.

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What a refreshing change to work for principal after principal who appreciated my hard work and dedication. I felt I was finally doing something worthwhile with my life rather than hawking vanity.

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Plus I could contribute to my pension plan, I had insurance for the first time in my life and I looked forward to work each day.