One thing is for sure if you keep doing what you did you will keep getting what you got.

When I started my consultancy business I was struck by the reaction of people who knew me and knew my experiences and background. The reaction of my wife was totally supportive and my children were neutral. (they were going thro' college at the time!)

Many friends were not surprised because as an independently minded person with my own views and thoughts I was a bit of a free wheeler.

However, one friend was askance and a conversation on the golf course explaining what was going on created the comment