If you have high-value skills, you can become wealthy by starting a business that provides clients access to your skills. When I lost my six-figure job a long time ago, I started a consulting practice. The first year, I made more in 1300 billable hours than the salary I had lost. Since then, my income has grown enough that I could retire today. However, I'm holding off for a few more years to build up to a super-comfortable retirement.