I own(ed) my own business. It gets asked about at every job interview.
The simple answer: I prefer a regular paycheck.
I first started introducing Linux (as file/print servers) back in the mid-90's. The rate of support calls would drop from weekly to quarterly. A few of my clients I actually had to introduce a retainer. I was making "most of my money" on 'new hardware' upgrades. I was smart enough to stagger roll-outs so I would have somewhat consistent work at Q1 every year. But not enough to reliably pay the bills. The Microsoft Support racket was too lucrative, and would have forced me to be dishonest. I can't live like that.
I gave the clients a choice: I run linux at home, and this is what I suggest for your servers. The level of honesty won me respect but not a paycheck.
Life circumstances also change such as having a family, mortgage, wanting other hobbies, etc.. If a recruiter is assuming a previous entrepreneur is going to be permanently stuck in one mindset it's really not fair to the applicant. Maybe the person grew tired of the 90 hour weeks with no free time. Or wants to be able to take a day off without being stressed out that the whole deck of cards will collapse. They're primed to make good employees at that point who will likely appreciate the corporate perks vs someone who has been in that environment for a long time and feels entitled to it.
I first started introducing Linux (as file/print servers) back in the mid-90's. The rate of support calls would drop from weekly to quarterly. A few of my clients I actually had to introduce a retainer. I was making "most of my money" on 'new hardware' upgrades. I was smart enough to stagger roll-outs so I would have somewhat consistent work at Q1 every year. But not enough to reliably pay the bills. The Microsoft Support racket was too lucrative, and would have forced me to be dishonest. I can't live like that.
I gave the clients a choice: I run linux at home, and this is what I suggest for your servers. The level of honesty won me respect but not a paycheck.