You make some good points, reisen55. In 2002, after working for AT&T for 18 years, I was downsized as part of a 10,000 employee downsizing in that year. Professionally, I've had 10 years of employment hell. And, I have yet to regain the financial footing I had before I was downsized.

My AT&T downsizing really brought it home to me that, especially since most US companies downsize and outsource almost for sport, corporations we work for have a lot of us by the balls (for lack of a better term).

Over the years, especially since my AT&T layoff, I've thought about self-employment, but, I think it takes a unique kind of individual to be successfully self-employed, and some of it has nothing to do with the business itself. Ever since I was a little girl, I've had what I consider an over-the-top struggle in dealing with uncertainty. As such, for me, I think the uncertainty of the irregular paychecks alone would do me in as a self-employed person. I also realize that being self-employed frequently involves working very long hours and, because both the success and the failure of the business is in your hands, it's not something you can "leave at the office", especially since, a lot of the time, home IS the office.

It's certainly tough trying to hollow out a living in these times.

I use to own and operate a Hot Dog Cart, it was profitable. But I sold the business.

I am rent don't buy on self-employment. Here is my problem with it. One you either need money or have access to money. If you don't you have to give up control. Also if you are not an expert in anyone field, it is not the easiest thing to do or start up.

I am glad people are able to do this option, just know it is not the best option for everyone. I would say it is not the best option for me at least at my current point.

Thanks for the comments, the biggest issue is cash flow. The checks come in sparodically or in a flood and my wife cannot understand why I am not paid TODAY for doing work YESTERDAY. I have a few clients who do just that and they are priceless, and most pay very quickly but there are always those few who don't and those times, like right now, when i have to scramble alot.

For the hot dog cart ... don't tell me your dog ate your busines? (I am so sorry for that. It was just THERE.)

I too have considered self employment. I don't want all the other issues that come with: if it's got to be done, it's me; if money is owed, I'm the collection agenecy; if I need more help, I need to do it because I can't afford more help. The list goes on and on.

I once worked for a company that valued hard working employees and treated them right. I don't know if that exists anymore. I admire those who go on their own. I can't because I'm old enough to know better, and I need benefits. But wait...Obama seems to try to destroy this also.

I too have considered self employment. I don't want all the other issues that come with: if it's got to be done, it's me; if money is owed, I'm the collection agenecy; if I need more help, I need to do it because I can't afford more help. The list goes on and on.

I once worked for a company that valued hard working employees and treated them right. I don't know if that exists anymore. I admire those who go on their own. I can't because I'm old enough to know better, and I need benefits. But wait...Obama seems to try to destroy this also.

I too have considered self employment. I don't want all the other issues that come with: if it's got to be done, it's me; if money is owed, I'm the collection agenecy; if I need more help, I need to do it because I can't afford more help. The list goes on and on.

I once worked for a company that valued hard working employees and treated them right. I don't know if that exists anymore. I admire those who go on their own. I can't because I'm old enough to know better, and I need benefits. But wait...Obama seems to try to destroy this also.

I too have considered self employment. I don't want all the other issues that come with: if it's got to be done, it's me; if money is owed, I'm the collection agenecy; if I need more help, I need to do it because I can't afford more help. The list goes on and on.

I once worked for a company that valued hard working employees and treated them right. I don't know if that exists anymore. I admire those who go on their own. I can't because I'm old enough to know better, and I need benefits. But wait...Obama seems to try to destroy this also.

I too have considered self employment. I don't want all the other issues that come with: if it's got to be done, it's me; if money is owed, I'm the collection agenecy; if I need more help, I need to do it because I can't afford more help. The list goes on and on.

I once worked for a company that valued hard working employees and treated them right. I don't know if that exists anymore. I admire those who go on their own. I can't because I'm old enough to know better, and I need benefits. But wait...Obama seems to try to destroy this also.

I too have considered self employment. I don't want all the other issues that come with: if it's got to be done, it's me; if money is owed, I'm the collection agenecy; if I need more help, I need to do it because I can't afford more help. The list goes on and on.

I once worked for a company that valued hard working employees and treated them right. I don't know if that exists anymore. I admire those who go on their own. I can't because I'm old enough to know better, and I need benefits. But wait...Obama seems to try to destroy this also.

I too have considered self employment. I don't want all the other issues that come with: if it's got to be done, it's me; if money is owed, I'm the collection agenecy; if I need more help, I need to do it because I can't afford more help. The list goes on and on.

I once worked for a company that valued hard working employees and treated them right. I don't know if that exists anymore. I admire those who go on their own. I can't because I'm old enough to know better, and I need benefits. But wait...Obama seems to try to destroy this also.

I too have considered self employment. I don't want all the other issues that come with: if it's got to be done, it's me; if money is owed, I'm the collection agenecy; if I need more help, I need to do it because I can't afford more help. The list goes on and on.

I once worked for a company that valued hard working employees and treated them right. I don't know if that exists anymore. I admire those who go on their own. I can't because I'm old enough to know better, and I need benefits. But wait...Obama seems to try to destroy this also.