If it's an IT related thing, you better know your market. Lots of upheaval in that field of late. If you are going to open a business, make sure you know what you are getting into. Unlike BMWood, when I opened my business, I got paid for the first 2 months, and then went without a paycheck for the next 16 months. When I did start to get paid again, as compared to my previous, large company salary, the next year was only about 50%. After that, things started to go a little better, and we've picked up the pace a little.

I was frustrated, like you, with the 10 million pieces of paper attitude. I wouldn't go back to that for anything (OK, I would, if someone offered millions of dollars for my company).

Luckily, my partner and I knew what to expect, and we were (relatively) prepared for it. It takes luck, hard work, and a little bit of staying power.

The keys are this:
- know your market, its potential, and your ability to capture a share of it
- have realistic income expectations initially
- get financially sound personally before you do it.
- go for it.