Mike-
Sorry that you feel you've wasted your time in your aviation career. At your $145k/year job, maybe the steady drumbeat of negativism of your peers got to you? Because most aviators would be able to live comfortably on a W2 and schedules like you're currently earning. In fact, I would be intensely happy to trade shoes with you right this moment!
Good luck in your business ventures, but I predict you'll realize the grass isn't greener over there. You'll work more for unpredictable and varying levels of income month over month.
Check back with us and let us know how you're doing. I hope I'm wrong and that you've made a better career choice. Best of luck.