<<<....but there would have been a different type of satisfaction from being my own boss and dealing with fellow enthusiasts in some field.>>>

Me too, Lannis. I've set up two manufacturing businesses of my own and much of my career was as Buyer or Prod'n Manager in several engineering companies.
20 years ago I would have enjoyed the challenge and satisfaction of setting up a 'lifestyle' manufacturing operation for small batch or one-off parts. I've considered setting up such a business, taking on a lad, probably aided by funding from Gov't apprenticeship grants but at 75 I don't have sufficient enthusiasm or need the money, (not that it would ever produce a fortune).

When I retired I wanted to set up an informal bike maintenance course for youngsters purely as a philanthropic exercise. A wealthy pal offered me the use of a workshop unit free of charge, I solicited the donations of free tools, protective equipment, soldering irons, multimeters and much other stuff from local sponsors and was all set to go.
The Council heard about my plans and required me to get CRB/DBS clearance, a First Aider on site, Fire certificate, M&F toilet and washing facilities, public liability insurance, change of use approved as an educational establishment and a whole load of other bureaucratic hoops. Needless to say I abandoned the idea.