Which one do you feel is riskier....

> 1)how do I do this and maintain a healthy
> balance
> between family and financial goals?

Only YOU can answer this one as only you know what a healthy balance is within your life.

It helps if your family knows what the situation is. Then the whole family can become involved, in a way. And if the "family" are children, they may learn something in the process.

> 2)how do I cope with the jobs which drain
> your
> time and energy and still give quality time
> to new endeavors?

You could "keep the end is sight" while you're doing the energy draining jobs. That should help give you a boost.

> 3)which" alternative sources of income
> opportunities" require the least time
> and money
> yet gives the most reward?

The "alternative source of income that requires the least amount of time and give the most reward" is,

The one you're willing to do.

Some people eBay. Some buy/sell cars. Others sell chattel through consignment stores. Others make think it's real estate.

They're all require the least amount of time and give the most reward... for the person who does them.

Warren Buffett would say investing in the stockmarket gives the most reward for time/money invested.

Yet others, could take $500 and flip personal goods over and over and double their money in a month, instead of the years it takes on the stock market.

Buffett would most probably NOT flip cars for money. Then again, he doesn't know how and would have to SPEND TIME learning the ropes - that requires work.

As with exercise... the best one is the one you're willing to do.

And is usually the one you already know how to do. Start with what you know and save time learning something new.

> Thanks to sowpub for giving us an
> opportunity
> to explore these issues...I'm interested in
> all comments, suggestions, life experiences
> which address these concerns...

And...

> "no one on his deathbed ever
> said,"I wish I
> had spent more time on my business."
> -Paul E.
> Tsongas,quoting a letter from a friend,1983

... "no town ever became a ghost town when government packed up and left."

Michael Ross.