Some people are making good money because they are in a business that is considered unattractive, for example waste disposal. On the other hand, in an industry that is considered "cool" (like gaming or fashion) some people have a tendency for self exploitation, because they are willing to do just about everything to be in that industry. In those industries you will find quite a few people (especially self-employed) with big dreams and very little income.
It seems to me that the ideal there would involve retiring off of a cushy waste-disposal salary, and then working on gaming or fashion as an independently-wealthy hobbyist.
I just finished my part of a project where we installed ~$50k worth of AV & networking bits into a local fellow's home. He chose to do it more or less on a whim, because he could. His business? Portapotty rentals. As far as I'm concerned, good for him.
