I heard a venture capitalist say that the one thing successful entrepreneurs have in common is that they have been fired, so have started their companies because they were essentially unemployable, or felt so. That hasn't been true for me, but it rings similarly to your point. When you begin to feel marginalized in your job, taking the leap into starting a business probably doesn't feel like you are giving up as much.

I worked for almost fourteen years for others. I saw the writing on the wall for those of us in social work when Regan came to office. I worked in administration as acting director of my department. I knew whoever got the permanent director's job would be fighting other departments and agencies over the pittance of money left for working primarily with the sick and poor. I lept then and started a private practice.

When the work situation got impossible, I made the leap to full time, and was lucky to have a husband who could back me for a little while so I could afford to make the leap and build up my business.

I find it very stimulating; am very happy I made the leap, started as second business in photography for fun and creativity. I regularly network with other women business owners and find many similar spirits which is great fun.I need to mention a multicultural business owners group which is very fun, stimulating and interesting as well.

I realized where I worked, they wanted a clone, which they called a team player. I was too independent and truthful in my thinking and approach. This was threatening to the powers that were.

Go for it!

I'm so happy I didnt think in traditional terms when I left corporate America after 25 years.

Granted, I didnt know what I wanted to do, but I saw the world as my oyster (at least work wise). I started a Internet company, got 2 books published, went on the speaking tour of the country, and became a career coach.

And I'm still amazing myself. I'm pushing 60 real hard, but just partnered with a 35 year old stud on a new concept, marketing communications business.

I love my work life and am excited about what's next (and not much would surprise me)

I never feel too old for a new challenge. After a career as a psychotherapist - about half working for myself - and a side trip into big-ticket retail for myself - I retired at 64 and within a short time got a bad case of ants in the pants. I looked around at the opportunities for old folks like me. I had no intention of going back into practice. Forty + years was enough of hearing other people's issues even though wherever i worked, i was always the top dog in the yard.

I took some of my hard-earned gains and bought a few condos - all studios in a building located near 3 medical schools and 4 universities. I am earning almost as much from them after 3 months as i was earning at my last job working for the system and my work is about 5 minutes a month. If I had insisted on direct deposit of the rent checks, it would be zero regular work. The return on investment is higher than what I could get in CDs now that the Fed lowered rates.

I do enjoy seeing rent checks come in so I accept that I have to flick my wrist each time one appears. I get occasional calls but the units are new condos in a building with 24 hour concierge service so most of the little problems are resolved without even a call. I pay the condo fee and the tenant and i get the benefits.

My track record with businesses is 3:3 successful. Each provided a living for my family for 5, 9 and 4 years respectively and sold for a profit. I look at this venture as a multiple purpose one. The units are located in the theater district of a major city, close to hundreds of restaurants and all the best stores. One day, when my wife retires, we might want to live in one of them ourselves part of the time. If i outlive my wife, I would want to live in the heart of the city full time. No way could I get it at the price I paid years from now when that possibility could become a reality. By that time, there is only one thing I figure won't go up, and I am too much a gentleman to mention what it is!

I've started a new enterprise that helps, trains and mentors small scale startups. By far and away the most interesting new entrepreneurs I have as clients are boomers. Amazing energy. Great contributions to the planet. Very quick learners regarding entrepreneurship.

I'm convinced there is a significant boomer entrepreneur movement developing. Our enterprises are much different, and much more enjoyable that those pictured in the media. They are slower, more nurturing, make real contributions, and a lot more fun.

If I can help anyone think about this, please contact me. I teach people and groups about how to do small scale startups and counsel folks directly.

Looks like a great discussion group. Thanks!

When my youngest daughter announced she was going to major in Film/TV in college and start her own TV production company, I did not suggest that she minor in Accounting to "have something to fall back on".

Besides, she didn't say she wanted to be a TV producer. She said she was GOING to be one. That's my girl.

Twenty-five years ago, I never thought that I'd end up owning my own restaurant and dance school. I used to work for the government, first as a GS 4/5/6 and then for the USPS as a PDC 9. I made a TON of money doing virtually nothing. Well, I did do a lot, but it felt like nothing.

My thoughts are that you only go around once in life. I took over a restaurant lease and opened up a brand new restaurant with a wonderful partner back in 1999. I also opened my own dance school, and I provide the restaurant with its dancers. I'm also the chef.

Yes, it is scary. And yes, it was sabotaged by someone I thought I could trust during a period when my partner was taken ill. Needless to say, I had to close the restaurant after the sabotage for six weeks to take stock of the damage only to open to no business for almost a year. Before the closure, I had begun to enjoy full houses after working at it for nine years.

It takes a lot of courage and gumption to start a business -- twice. I'm too old to go to work for someone else. It also takes a very special person to venture out and begin a business.

Would I do it again if given the choice? In a heartbeat! After all, you only go around once in life.