Have you left a cushy job to go into business for yourself?
356677
Yes, I did once.\n\nIts all down to the risk factor. Do you have the confidence and knowledge to run your own business? Are you prepared to forfeit a regular and safe income for the dangers of not having that safety net? \n\nBeing out on your own can be a pretty lonely place. I failed miserably. It wasn't for me and I finished up with a breakdown, however, it did give me a chance to re-evaluate my career and change direction. I've gone from working in a commercial environment to working with vulnerble and excluded youth in a charity. Less money but so much more job satisfaction! \n\nI wouldn't rule out going into business, but check out all other options before you make up your mind. If are really finding the situation you are in too stressful, it would be a good idea to consider change. \n\nGood luck\nMartin (42) and finally found my vocation!!
509565
When you start finding ANY excuse to not go to work...it's time to change. I just changed careers after 22 years in the same industry, and it was the best idea I've had in a long time. I'm sooo happy I finally got the nerve to do it. It takes time to start again, but when you look forward to going to work...it's a great feeling.
344043
I believe that an excellent way to try yout hand at running your own business is to choose a network marketing company that has a product that you can relate to. You will be responsible for sales and team leadership without the huge expense and financial risk associated with other business start-ups. You can do this part-time until you have developed a good income stream. This way you don't have to leave the paycheck and insurance benefits that you get at your current job until you are ready. There is a lot more to choosing the right company. If this idea interest you write to me at bruce@getvia.com and I can share even more details on how to choose wisely.
150043
There are a few things to consider here... I've been in the rest/bar business for years.  (What IS your JOB?) I would try, at least for a while, to do BOTH... starting your own business requires a lot of committment. (I own a Flower Shop and worked nites in the bar business to help pay the bills) If you are able my suggestion would be to keep a day job, and work the bar evenings... it would eleiminate the need for additional help and the tips could also be used to help with finances.  PLUS any bar that I have ever worked in has done better if the OWNER is actually a part of the team... rather than someone who comes in takes the money and makes the deposit.  You obviously like the industry... jump in w/ both feet and be available as much as possible... it is YOUR business - be as big a part of it as you can.
52646
Yes, If anyone brings you plates, drinks, or helps you in anyway other than seat you, you should leave somthing. I worked at a place like that.
216089
Your own! With such vast experience you can start your own company and the possibilities are limitless. If you have the skill that I expect you would after seven years, you should be able to find a market for your skills and penetrate it with ease. Initially it may be difficult but, trust me, once you are established, the sky is the limit.
787877
In many industries that is common practice.  In accounting, medicine, graphic arts, and law it is almost expected that you will get your experience and then move on either to a better paying job or to start your own business.  If an employer is really interested in keeping you, they will make you a partner or offer some other form of incentive to keep you from hanging out your own shingle.  But it doesn't come as any surprise that you would do this.  \n\nAlso, many companies are started by former employees who see a better way to service customer or a more efficient way to run a business, and the employer wouldn't listen or take their advice or treated the employee badly.  That is what forms a competitive business market and it is not only fair, but it's good for the marketplace.
1149461
You're going to do what you've always wanted to do: work from home. How I wish I had your computer savy, knowledge and expertise! I have to settle for encouraging people into giving me their old computers when they upgrade so I can clean them out and give them to needy people. One mother who had had a hip operation was able to work from home all winter last year, here in Maine, thanks to someone's generosity. Work from your home! You are your own boss. You can call the shots. You can either be affordable or impossible. You can be the guy people hire because his rates are sensible. That would be a daily cash flow... and the possiblilties are endless, because you have your home office from which you can work. You can hook up a second computer in your home to keep your business records so they are not accessible online (to anyone but you). Money, money , money! Start thinking money instead of being too old! Job one is: establishing a really great cash flow for YOU and your family. They are job one. When you work from home, suddenly, you are no longer at the beck and call of company offers in just New York City. Your office is the United States, period. When you get richer and can allow a sense of humour about all this stuff, you can extend your business to outside the states. Sound too good to be true? I told Matt he should work for himself. He is now in San Marcos, Texas, binding little copy books which he sells from his home. Self-employed; well off; happy. So - work for yourself. Be the boss. Be all those people who won't even look at you or treat you nice. I am sending this message with tons of positive, vibrant success energies! Give what I tell you some serious thought. Sit down, put your feet up and think about being the boss. The worker. The bookkeeper. The candlestick maker - and of course, the Bill Gates II, who retired early! (You think I'm kidding, but how can you know you will not be a real success???)  Best to you from G., South Portland, Maine, U.S.A.
1083608
8.  I know a person who did a similar thing here in Columbus,  Ohio.  He made around 100,000.00 a year and basically just setup these small medium type biz.  I say give it a go.  It seems that with your credentials you have enough knowledge to sell yourself.  I know of another guy in texas who also owns a consulting firm.  It's woth the effort if you no longer want to work under a company,  but with a company.
880327
If you start to drag yourself to work everyday then I think you better quit. But setting up your own business is not as simple as what you think. You need to find a place for the tuition centre, hire people, rental fees, renovation cost etc. The most diffcult part is that when you are new in the market, people will not trust you as much as the more established tuition centres.   \nYou need to consider all these factors before you go into this type of business. All the best to you
911432
Yes, I always wanted to hit them, even I fought with my last boss and resigned  in 2004 becoz of the working hours. \n\nI couldnt find any job with this bad fame because this business(customs consultancy) is a small sector in Ankara and every other employers easily heard it!!!\n\nNow I m happy for being my own boss since 2004 that working and earning only for myself is very wonderful. I advice everyone must do it after a good business education and experience.\n\nGood luck...
171675
Hi : Yes I once took a course in locksmithing which started me into a field I was not very familiar with. After (6) month's on the job I started my own business, now 26 years later I just retired at the age of (70). It can be done if you want it.
1145313
I made my first this way. After high school I started a window cleaning business, I did that for 6 Month's or so..then I started a commercial cleaning business with the money I made there..I did that for about 3 years and worked my butt off and sold it for 90k in 1985.\nI then got offered a job in advertising..I did that for 2 years..learned everything I could and started my own agency..I had about 18 people working for me..then like before I sold it BIG$$$. I now manage money..MINE in the market. I wake up everyday..sit in front of the computer (10:30 am)..then I go out and sit at my pool. I own 3 apartment buildings, 6 houses I rent out..but the vast majority is in investments. Keeping liquid is important! Work your tail off and work smart!\n\nGood Luck!
225221
From my experience, I do not necessarily agree with your statement. I think that ultimately, it really depends on your personality and your strengths. \n\nCEOs generally do not make as much money as someone who runs their own business, but the flip side is that they have a more secure job. People with higher education find that the opportunity cost of leaving their well paid jobs to runs around and start their own thing is too high and usually just stick on doing their job (forever an employee). Those with less to lose may decide that their job is not worth that much and the opportunity cost is small - start their own business.  If that business is successful, you make a lot more money and become financially independent from others.\n\nIt just depends on what kind of risk profile you can accept, and whether you have the conviction and courage to pull through a business.
269459
Over the last decade, my whole career has been affected by computers.  I left my "real" job back in '96 to start an Internet Design company, which everyone told me was insane.  I worked and slaved over it for years, gained lots of clients, respect, awards, an office full of employees and then sold the company 2 years ago for a lot of $$$, and now I work out of my home as a freelancer helping other start-up companies do the same thing. \n\nWhen I was in college in the 80's, I never ever dreamed my life would turn into what it has.
1089445
Work your tail off. Do the stuff that others won't do cause they are "too good for that". Take calculated risks and gambles. Develop a passion about something and know it inside and out. Make yourself the expert in an area. Never hesitate to help someone else and make sure everyone you know knows exactly what your business is so that they might either use you or recommend someone to use you. Think outside the box. Travel and get out of your usual environment to give yourself better perspective. Eat drink and sleep whatever the passion is...
579045
I realized that working from paycheck to paycheck was getting old.\nI was tired of making someone else rich, and opened up my own business in chicago.\nso far, Ive made more money in one year, than i've made in 6, working for someone else!\n\nJust go for it, and remember, you only fail, if you dont try!!\n\nemail me for more info\nopabj@yahoo.com