So there. My problem isn't motivation but the fact that it takes money to make money. I hope you find the motivation soon because you are right on. If nobody will give you a job, you have to give yourself one.

I treat my job search as a job. I get up on weekdays at the same time as if I had a "real" job. I spend time doing a thorough online search (careerbuilder, monster, etc.) and surfing company websites where I have relevant skills to offer.

I make a list of all people I know who can help me in my job search
- former employers
- recruiters/headhunters
- people I know in positions to hire people

and I email or call these people to let them know I am in the market for a new position. Do this every day and set goals for how many jobs you will apply for each day (my goal is 1.5 applications per day).

This does not take 40 hours per week, so make a list of things you can do that you would not be able to do, if you had a job. Things like calling parents and elderly relatives to talk to them, volunteer at charities, spend time building your spiritual life, rake your neighbor's leaves, go for a hike, etc.

Talking with and meeting with other people is important to avoid or combat the isolation of being out of a working environment.

I agree completely with #2.....It is just a matter of time, place, and opportunity,,,at some point they all will align,,and you will be there,,

I have been beating myself up alot lately...I had a job but I was struggling with it for many reasons. I am going in on WED to hand in my letter of resignation. I feel bad because I know there are so many people out there out of work, but I have to do what is best for me. I know it may be some time until I can find another job, but like you want to start a small home based business.

I have been an independent contractor for years and although being self employed has its pros and cons, I find the freedom is very important. Working as an employee after all of these years on my own, I felt very trapped, and saw just what a blessing being your own boss is.

Those who are self employed often work longer hours, and have alot more stressors (such as taxes, etc) then employees, however you will be working on one of your true passions, not just another job that you must do for the companies sake.

Do not give up on your dream. I have neglected my true talents for years. I have also been unhappy for years. I am going to put fourth my best effort into starting my home-based business and would like to open it in 2013. It seems very overwhelming, but so is looking for a job lol. All the hours you spend looking for a job that you may (or may not) be happy could be applied to starting your own business.

It takes money to make money...true a majority of the time but not always. I am blessed to have alot of knowledge in internet marketing, etc. For me the cost to start up my business will only be the cost of business licensing. We live in the internet age and on the internet anything is possible. Social media will become your best friend. I am going to start up with as little money invested as possible. You can always re-invest when you have your business license, and then anything you invest in for your business will become a tax deduction.

May I ask what kind of business you would like to get into? I am so curious.

I see so many people on this forum expressing that they want to open a small business, but for many, myself included fear keeps them from doing so. I admit, my fear has kept me from it for a long time, but I am at the point now where I do not care. I have to do what makes me happy. I also do not care wether I make thousands of dollars a month. I am happy to make a living wage, so long as I can do it doing what I truly want to do. I keep telling myself: NOT TRYING IS THE ULTIMATE FAILURE. I am afraid of failing, but if I do not try then I have definately failed. If I try and fail, at least I tried and it will be a good learning experience. I admit there are others out there who can and do offer better services then I can, but as long as you do the best for you that is what matters.

I am also looking for work, but I refuse to spend 8 hours a day on websites, filling out applications. I have decided to spend only about 4 hours a day looking for work, and another 4 hours working on my business of the future lol. I will most likely, start the business before I can find another job. In the meantime, I am networking, networking, networking....so by the time I can open my biz, I will have a nice network of potential clients, and a nice portfolio to show them. I want to have the portfolio done by Jan, and I will open the biz from there.

I am in a very motivational mood today and it feels good lol. This can be a bit overwhelming, today I will be working on my business plan. I feel it helps if I write all of my thoughts, ideas and plans on paper...when I accomplish them I check them off so I can see my progress. This helps immensely and will keep you motivated.