As an ex-owner twice over, I don't know how many private owners go through the same experience:
Before purchase:
1) I'm just going to do this, I can afford it, if it gets expensive I might be able to find someone else to fly it.
Shortly after purchase
2) Hey, this is great, I fly whenever I want, and the bills aren't too bad
Shortly after one or more unfortunate bills
3) B*gger me, this is expensive, I think I need some of those self-fly-hire pilots to pay some of the bills
Shortly after using some self fly hire pilots
4) Damn - I don't seem to make any money, if anything it's costing more and it's sometimes not there when I want it and I'm worried what they might do to it. Lets see how it pans out.
And finally...
5) I've got over the ownership need, I could redeploy the cash a lot better and I just don't need the hassle - I'll sell mine and look for someone at stage 3!
... or was it just me?
.... and don't even ask why I did it twice!