I've been doing startups since I was 31 (22 years ago), and figured that out quickly. And I've been at successful startups (IPO, acquisitions).
Much more realistic to aim for being employed (you do love working for startups, right?), but having your kids' college paid for, buying nice vacations, taking long unpaid leaves, buying nice toys for yourself and your family, having retirement (in your 50s or 60s) taken care of, and so on.
Also, for someone who really does love startups (technology, business side, whatever), "retirement" probably means doing the same thing you've been doing, but at a more leisurely pace, and that will probably earn something.
Much more realistic to aim for being employed (you do love working for startups, right?), but having your kids' college paid for, buying nice vacations, taking long unpaid leaves, buying nice toys for yourself and your family, having retirement (in your 50s or 60s) taken care of, and so on.
Also, for someone who really does love startups (technology, business side, whatever), "retirement" probably means doing the same thing you've been doing, but at a more leisurely pace, and that will probably earn something.