So many consider doing it but many decide not to take the plunge. What I’ve gathered is the one thing that holds people back is fear. It’s fear of the unknown. Will I make it? Will I fail? Will I make money? How will I know what I need to do and when to do it? These are all very natural questions to be asking before diving into your brand new shiny Start Up.

I give advice to a lot of people. Some are young and energetic SEO marketers here in New York and others are more seasoned veterans who are just not sure if they are ready to take the plunge. I will tell you there are two really nice things you give up when you decide to go into business for yourself. One is the security of getting that paycheck every other Friday for the same amount of money, guaranteed. And two, always being able to leave your job at 5pm or close to it is pretty nice.

With your own business, say goodbye to those steady paychecks and forget working until 5 every day. That all becomes a distant memory. But what you can say hello too is potential much higher earnings, no asshole boss to deal with and well you can make your own hours. Now, I make my own hours to an extent, but the demand of my clients always comes first, and that could be on a Saturday night or a Monday morning at 7am. It happens. I wouldn’t change what I have now to go back to corporate. I loved what I learned, but I hated working for other people. I hated getting up every day, following the same regimen, and daily grind to work in 40 minutes of traffic then dealing with a boss who knew less than me in my subject matter. I’m talking completely clueless. Honestly, I got fed up. I was thinking hey I’m smarter than this and if I’m making millions for some other company, why aren’t I doing it for myself? Well duh!!! You see, we get comfortable. Things seem fairly easy for a while until you either have a breakdown at work or you get fired and have a breakdown at home as you panic about not being able to pay your bills.

Why Suffer? Why worry? Why take shit from that arrogant boss who doesn’t even come in on time? It’s time to start re-evaluating your needs, goals and happiness. If you can’t put a plan down on paper that will do all of that and set you and your family up with a long-term retirement plan, then you need to start thinking about it. Do what you love and don’t be afraid to take risks. You might actually surprise yourself. Also, be your own best fan; don’t expect others to pat you on the back for a job well done. You’ll know when you’re successful and you’ll love it, no matter how much time and hard work you put into it.