Should I?

[CaptShady]

To me, entreprenuerism goes beyond money, and personal freedom of your time. To me, entreprenuerism is patriotic. It's a belief in capitalism, and all that it stands for. For any and all economic problems, the answer is in America's yard, in capitalism. Capitalism is also about dreams. That's why so many have immigrated here, and found their own riches (Schwarzenegger being the poster boy for it all). So to me, the answer will always be found in entreprenuerism, and I will always be a believer of chasing dreams, chasing goals. To me that's THE KEY to happiness .. pursuit .. ACTIVE pursuit of your goals. So if you're haunted by your dreams, it's because you're not chasing them, and chances are, you're miserable, at least part of the day. And by NOT chasing your dreams, what are you teaching your children to do about their dreams?

[redstylecorp]

I didn't bother to read ALL the posts, but MY take is:

Why not do both??? Lots of people do this!

[machine]

Start your new business. Go for it.

But, if you want to be cautious, and you should be if the business model is not proven, then do it part time at first on the weekends. You may even want to find a partner to share the workload and costs to set up.

If you would, tell us about what it is you want to do.

[Unfufilled]

I have read and taken all of your quotes into consideration, let me give you a little more background on myself, maybe this will shed a little more light on things. I have been in the United States Marine Corps for over ten years, it is a great job, it is rewarding, but it is not owning your own business and you cannot always advance at a rate that is directly related to your performance, it is just not possible in this type of entity. This is something that I completely understand and agree with but I am ready for something more!

I have always dreamed of owning my own business and to tell you the truth, next to my current occupation, it is the only thing that can even come close to being as supportive of the United States as I am right now. We all know that the only reason this great country has prospered like it has, is because of Americans with ideas and a willingness to pursue them, just like all of us on this site.

I believe that I have reached the point where I have become very well rounded, I have experience in everything from leadership to inventory management all the way to marketing. During my career I have tried to do anything that I thought would make me a better Small Business owner and a great employer.

Leaving such a tremendous organization that teaches you ,and provides you with so much, all while surrounding you with high caliber people, is just a tough decision to make. Thanks, Ted

[CaptShady]

Unfulfulled, that desire of entrepreneurship won't go away, trust me. IMO you HAVE TO succumb to it LOL! But you can do it under YOUR terms. Who says you have to start tomorrow? Find one that will let you do it with as much sacrifice as you can muster, and work it work it work it! Work it hard, work it fast, and keep right on working it! hahaha! Best of luck to ya, Devil Dawg! And thank you for my freedom!
(I know, I sound corny, but that's me! )

There are part time, work at home, "home based", "van based" business out there. You just got to look! I highly recommend 1) getting an email address just for the searchign, because you'll wind up with TONS of spam 2) get used to a lot of network marketers calling you, and be sure you can say no 3) read the book $ales Dogs.

Best of luck!

[Jessica Dean]

Originally Posted by Unfufilled

I have a very secure career that has taken very good care of myself and my familye for the past 10 years, but I have always wanted to own my own business and do something a little more challenging. I have a few ideas that everyone thinks are good and I would love to do anyone of them. My question is: Should I give up a career that gives my family everything they need, to start my own company? or would I be acting out of selfishness? Please give me any info or experiences that you can, I am really at a crossroads here and could use some advice from anyone who has had this same hangup. Thanks, Ted

Please, read Rich Dad, Poor Dad, from Robert Kiyosaky.

[cbscreative]

Originally Posted by Jessica Dean

Please, read Rich Dad, Poor Dad, from Robert Kiyosaky.

Good recommendation.

[HairBare]

Buy a franchise with good support systems and learn what the difference is between being a business owner and being self-employed.
Do lots of research with existing franchisees before leaping in. Make sure that it is a financially viable system and that the required support is there. Remember that you are only doing it as a learning exercise to prove how much you do or do not know.
When you have become the best franchisee in the system then go and do your own thing.
Read the EMyth Revisited and everything you can find on Direct Marketing and apply it.
Have fun - everyday.

[Todd-A]

I say go for it life is to short, so live your dreams while you can.Take 12months leave of absents(time of with out pay) have a crack at your dream if it dont work it will be back to the old J.O.B, but dont die wondering what if!

[chaplin]

Very well said, Todd-A. One should go after their dream and take the risks. I also recommend reading "rich dad, poor dad"
I'll just add to this, try to secure yourself a little bit before going into it. The business doesn't make money right after its start