HRoth - 10:18 pm on Aug 8, 2009 (gmt 0)

I started this biz when I had another one supporting me, but I was getting to really hate that one. It took me three years to get this biz to the point where I could finally close up the old one. I well remember the last conversation I had with a potential client of the old biz and saying I could not do any work for them, that I was closing. That was a happy, happy day. I didn't have any bennies with my previous business either, and I actually make much less money now. But that is just fine with me. THIS biz does not drive me as crazy as the old one did.

It is scary to be on your own--I don't think that fear ever goes away--and if you screw up, there is no one to blame but yourself. But it is also exhilarating and it can be a really good way to come to know your own strengths and weaknesses and to work on the latter.