[Dave951M]

WAS employed by a tool & die firm. WAS in that field for over 20 years. WAS dreaming of self-employment. WAS laid off for the third time in said time frame. NOT LONGER!! I am now self-employed doing home repairs and renovations & remodeling. I wish I had started doing this sooner. I have more time with the kids, (951 included) and less pressure from the man in the corner office. The part I like best about this pursuit is that I have yet to spend and entire week at any one place, I don't have to put up with whining slack employees, nor do I have to deal with an intransigent HR department. I do have to hustle now, but it's a good kind of problem.

The sequence of events that led to this point- laid off 12/7, started looking for another position in the same field (not very successful in this economy), son totalled work truck, other son joined military (was already in the works), "sideline" play (read Porsche) money source took on a life of its own.

The only downside side thus far is the health insurance issue, I'm open to suggestions. At the moment, I'm looking at BCBS, already have a life policy. Going to spend today with the wife and kids and grandparents. Haven't been able to do that in a long time. Will soon go to Lackland AFB to see other son. This would have been a major scheduling hassle if I wasn't self employed now. The downside is that while I'm there, I'm not producing cash flow. I still think it's an ok trade off for the results.