You get to a certain point, and you see people you've known for like 10 years, basically grew up with them, and they are in the feds, or out on bail, going to court dates, whatever, the dude I grew up idolizing, all my friends and I, got indicted, conspiracy to distribute 1,000 + pounds, IRS seized 50k in jewelry, cars, houses. He was balling when we were like 16 and he was like 22. He pled guilty charges that under sentencing guidelines could get him life, but he walked out of the feds, and hasn't been sentenced yet, pretty sure he made some deal. He was probably going to get about 10 years.
And people say....'was/is it worth it'? You don't know the answer...It's never WORTH it, if you get touched, and have to go do those Big Meech #'s, imo. But, try working a real job, with limited education, experience, wake up at 5:00 AM for 10/hour, you can barely make a life for yourself, much less a family. Then try doing the street thing for 10+ years, walking away from it....? You walk by a cashier or some guy ringing you up at CVS and think 'Is this going to be me'? And, so you take that chance, win, lose, or draw.