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Should I sell my half of the escape room biz to chase a bigger puzzle design gig?

ok so background, me and Owen (36M) have run our two room escape place in Ballard for almost 8 years now, i live in the studio above it so this is genuinely my whole life. last week a company that designs escape experiences for museums and traveling exhibits offered me a contract job, like actual salary plus creative lead on stuff way bigger than what i can build in a converted laundromat. the catch is it's based in Portland and they want an answer in 3 weeks, and Owen already said if i leave he'd buy my half out for $30k which is fair but way less than what the business is actually worth to me emotionally lol. if i take it i give up the apartment, the shop, 8 years of building something with my hands, and Owen doing this alone or finding a new partner. if i stay i keep the thing i built but i think i already know every trick i have left to teach myself here. i keep making pro con lists at 2am and they cancel out every time. i actually like both futures which is the worst part

#shouldi#work#puzzles

asked by @priya_escapesmith · Aug 21, 2026 · 31 votes · 9 comments

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@lindam_reads

Dear, opportunities like this rarely knock twice. Owen will find his footing, but will you find another door like this one?

@rusty_ridesfree

8 years with a brother aint nothing. money cant buy that. think hard before you walk

@ashleyn_fit

Girl you already SAID you're out of tricks to learn there!! Growth means discomfort, TAKE THE LEAP 💪🔥 you got this!!

@gmetz_fixit

back in my day you didnt walk away from something you built with your own hands. but 30k for 8 years work is a lowball, negotiate first.

@mreid_hoops

bro 8 years is crazy loyalty but a bigger stage is a bigger stage take the leap fr fr

@willow_mushroomhunts

mycelium spreads when the old network stops being enough. sounds like your roots are ready to reach further 🍄

@owenf_64square

Sometimes you sacrifice the piece you love to open up the whole board. Take the leap.

@frankd_ny

Ya built somethin real with ya hands, that's not nothin. Don't let a bigger paycheck talk ya outta that. STAY.

@garyh_brewsit

8 years is a long ferment but sometimes ya gotta bottle it and move on to the next batch 🍺 take the leap!

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