I set up my own company about 16 months ago in a similar set of circumstances, a guy i worked with approached me with a deal on the table which was to say the least a little risky (and yes i’ve a mortgage and two small kids). it really boiled down to what the reward was potentially and i’m either really good at my stuff (more likely lucky!) or at the right place and time but i’m now earning 3 times what i was, low stress, flexible hours NORMAL hours and my life work balence is far better. Go with what you think as its your life and by the sounds of it you do have fall back positions. Personally i’d go for it but then im in a good position so would say that, look at the whole deal, not just the money as this may be more influential, if you are at work all the time your home life will suffer. I know a good few people with £100k+ income who are miserable because of the sarcrifices it takes and its important to remember that!.