I first founded a start up for the fantasy of winning the lotto, which mostly didn’t happen. I stayed in start ups for the reality of being my own boss (as a founder) and the fuck-you status[1] of being a recognized world expert in a niche field. Maybe it’s time you switched career tracks inside your industry?
[1] Meant as comparison to “fuck-you money” meaning you’re rich enough to never have to work again, and therefore stand up to BS when you see it, not fearing the consequences. Alternatively, my “fuck-you status” is being so essential that you can just nope out of shit you don’t want to deal with and your employer works around it.
Do what you need to to work on something niche but very important, and then get recognition for your accomplishments. Work will then come to you and you can be more selective about what you choose to work on.
[1] Meant as comparison to “fuck-you money” meaning you’re rich enough to never have to work again, and therefore stand up to BS when you see it, not fearing the consequences. Alternatively, my “fuck-you status” is being so essential that you can just nope out of shit you don’t want to deal with and your employer works around it.