Knowing what I’ve learned in over 20 years including earning a couple Master degrees and working everywhere from corporate America to tech/healthcare start-ups to RE and most recently entrepreneurial endeavors I would find your true passion and take a shot at an entrepreneurial business. I have never felt more secure, happier or more fulfilled. (Disclaimer: RE while fitting into part of this is not my sole source of income). I cant imagine ever working for someone again waiting for my job to right-sized. There is so much opportunity in this world and the biggest rewards go to the entrepreneurs not the technical professionals. If your wife is about finish school and will do well in her position it should help give you the confidence to go for it. (Disclaimer2: Buying a franchise is not entreprenurial its buying a job not a true business.)