<s>[INST] [–] 188 points188 points  (3 hours ago)

I am an engineer at a company that designs and builds custom homes. I've been with the company for about 5 years now. I'm looking to start my own business, but I'm not sure if I should start a business in the construction industry or pursue a different industry. Here are my pros and cons for each option:

**Construction Industry:**
Pros:

*   I have 5 years of experience in the construction industry and understand the ins and outs.
*   I have a good network of contacts in the industry, including subcontractors, suppliers, and architects.
*   I have a strong portfolio of work to showcase to potential clients.
*   Starting a business in the construction industry would allow me to leverage my expertise and experience.

Cons:

*   The construction industry is highly competitive, with many established players.
*   The industry is subject to boom-and-bust cycles, which can make it difficult to maintain a steady income stream.
*   Starting a construction business requires a significant amount of capital to get started.

**Different Industry:**
Pros:

*   I would be entering a new market with less competition.
*   I could potentially leverage my transferable skills, such as project management and problem-solving, to succeed in a new industry.
*   Starting a business in a different industry could provide a fresh start and a chance to learn new things.

Cons:

*   I would be starting from scratch, with no established network or experience in the new industry.
*   I would need to invest time and money in learning about the new industry and building a network.
*   There's a risk that my skills and experience may not be directly applicable to the new industry.

What are your thoughts on this?[/INST]