facing the demise of a personal enterprise theme

A character is confronted with the imminent failure of a venture they had invested much of their energy in, for example a career pursuit, private company, etc.

Examples

In talesoftheunexpected7x11 "I Like it Here in Wilmington", Harry and Marvin had a joint clothing manufacturing business that was on the verge of bankruptcy. Being used to the good life, Harry contemplated murdering Marvin to claim insurance money.

10 total · 7 major · 3 minor

StoryLevelMotivation
ahp4x17 major Jan was struggling to run her dress shop in the face of declining sales.
ahp6x03 major Harry stood to lose his lumberyard business unless he got his hands on $8000.
ahp7x25 major The funeral home director Amos Duff turned to blackmail to save his business from going belly up.
ds93x03 major Quark went to elaborate lengths to keep his bar from going out of business. Keiko was worried that she might need to close down her school on the space station.
talesoftheunexpected7x11 major Harry and Marvin had a joint business that was on the verge of bankruptcy.
tftc1989e3x07 major Mr. Crosswhite pretended his blood bank was on the brink of bankruptcy in order to motivate his employees.
tftc1989e4x06 major Fred and Erma was dreading the imminent insolvency of their squid-only restaurant business.
ftt1982e4x07 minor The tavern keeper spoke of how the next tax was likely to land her on the street.
movie: Frenzy (1972) minor Richard told of his various failed business ventures.
movie: Psycho (1960) minor The motel had gone downhill after the main road was moved away from it.