Starting from the bottom, up… you might be really interested in this article: http://www.incomediary.com/matt-wadsworth-interview-blind-internet-marketer-doing-7-figures No excuses after reading that!

Yes, the hours are many, however it’s time we want to be spending because we’re immersed in an idea or project we’ve personally created and in which we have an investment. Once that work is done it pays you back many times over.

Taxes. Who’s worried about that? We all pay our share whether an employee or self-employed. It is what it is & ought not be a consideration when choosing your lifestyle or choosing to follow a passion. At least with self-employment, claims for expenses can be made against any due tax.

Self discipline is not needed when you have a specific outcome that you want achieved and you’ve made a decision to accomplish something of value for your life and the lives of others. If you’re passionate & love what you do then “discipline” is not an issue. It only comes into play when you are “forcing” something rather than flowing with a chosen direction.

Stability… gosh, hands up those who are 100% secure in their job or career! Change is the only constant in life.

How much money do we truly need (as opposed to want)? If you’re in a day-job there’s a ceiling on how much we are able to earn, in our own business we get to say what we want to reach for. Creating an added service or new product gives rise to the possibility of increased income. One brilliant idea shared with your employer does not necessarily increase your pay packet, however one brilliant idea implemented in your own business could take you to the stars!

Being concerned about “needing” government hand outs is not part of the mind-set of someone who is willing to take accountability and responsibility for their own journey through life. Set aside your own savings/investments. Get educated about money and take actions that build for your future. You’ll likely need much less in health care & will likely never want to retire if you’re in your own business and living a passionate lifestyle of your choosing.

I knew nothing about business when I began and learned all I needed to know, along the way. You make many new connections in setting up a new venture plus can find out so much online, as well as through business support groups etc. Each time you take a new step, the next one shows up and a solution shows up. Just ask lots of questions when you need answers, make lots of mistakes and learn as you go. Some cool resources can be found here: http://www.forwardstepsblog.com/2012/01/start-your-own-online-business

No perceived talents or special knowledge? You can give the gift of time. As you said Cindy, “I hire people to do things that take my time away from things I’d rather be doing.” Try offering a couple of things at fiverr.com or elance.com and test how much your service is wanted. Other handy places are: rentacoder.com odesk.com guru.com

No education? When I stepped away from a 23 year career, and was looking for casual employment to support me in those first years of establishing a business, the 4 degrees that I had under my belt, were actually a handicap. It was perceived that I might not stay because the job on offer might not satisfy me. I needed to convince them of my reasons for wanting employment which was considered ‘beneath’ for what I was qualified. Many employers are more interested in your work history, your level of commitment, presentation, reliability and how you’ll fit in to their culture, and don’t mind what ‘papers’ you have.

Well, that was my two bob’s worth! Could have written a whole brand new article myself, using yours as a spring board, Cindy. lol Ah well, you must have twanged a heart string and got me plugged in, for me to offer such a lengthy comment.

Cheers,
Thea

P.S. By the way Cindy, I just read about this very sad news today http://www.zdnet.com/hacker-activist-aaron-swartz-commits-suicide-7000009725/