[Cyclefrance]

Well, maybe you could do something similar to what I do - a sort of 'hedge your bets' situation. In other words have the opportunity to make good money when that opportunity presents itself, but backing up that scenario have something that delivers a regular (albeit lower) income. You may have to work more hours to get the cream stuff but you won't fall over and lose everything if it doesn't work out the way you'd hoped.

The 'go-alone high return' scenario always looks attractive, but remember that you never have the control over your destiny that you think you will have. Hit a recesion and you will find it difficult to do business. If a major client/person moves away you may lose them for good. You need to keep on your toes and build a strong and healthy portfolio of clients to be able to weather these storms. Having said that your opportunity to reap the bigger slice is so much greater if you are on your own and in the right business.

Alongside the above you need to assess your other responsibilities and how much at risk your gameplan puts these. If you don't have a mortgage or family to care for then you can probably afford to brave and weather a negative downturn. Be confident that your personality is the type that is optimistic and able to cope with negatives.

And last but not least - if you don't try now when the opprtunity is there, be sure you you don't have regrets later - the 'if only' is something hard to get over further on down the line when friends are successful but you failed to have a go yourself.

Of course money isn't everything - maybe quality of life holds a higher value than the $ in your pocket....

Good luck, whatever you decide