Great Post. After being self employed for over 10 years, I remember some long days too. 18 hour day were the norm.
People need to realize, that being self employed is not as rosy as some might purport it to be. I had about 10 contractors and about 4 employees. Its harder work than working for someone else, more gratifying than working for someone else also. You get the best of both worlds.
What you've done is amazing, and I applaud you. Just don't minimize the hard work that it takes to run your own business. Then again, maybe you didn't.
Things change. Demand for you product can change, and that's the only reason, I still don't have my own company. Consolidation of many company's put the need for my services, on the outs.
My advice. Make sure you diversify with your product.
Mine wasn't as multidimensional as it should have been.
Still, over ten years was a good run. I look forward to doing it again.
BTW, the wife has been self employed for over 5 years.
Keep a hold of that carrot LA.