Working for yourself is one of those dreams that most people have at one time or another. The dream is of a more glamorous lifestyle, working when you want and making lots of money. Attractive as the dreams are, very few will actually make the move, and most remain in regular employment throughout their working lives.

A business opportunity that you can start yourself seems great when you think about it, but there is more involved than youi might imagine including some very long hours of work. There are no easy ways to riches and to make a lot of money needs expertise, knowledge, investment and perseverance.

It is important to get your business right from the start and this means adequate planning. Firstly planning of the business and then managing the finances are the two main keys to profitability - if ignored will no doubt lead to early collapse.

A third of all new start up businesses fail in the first year and one of the main reasons is lack of adequate investment. When planning a new business nobody allows enough for cash flow and nobody foresees exactly how the business is going to perform.

Those that survive their first year face equally daunting odds for their second and third years,when many more businesses fall by the wayside. These now tend to fail through disillusionment over the hard work needed for the little returns that seem to be made.

Despite the difficult challenges you must face when starting a business, there can be a lot to get out in return. These are when:

1. Being your own boss is right for you

2. You plan your business carefully

3. You must make enough financial allowance for unforseen occurences - then triple the amount!

If you have checked out all the angles, including whether or not you are suited to self employment, have checked the money flows several times - you will have an even chance of survival.

For those that do manage to keep going, the returns are there. Only by working for yourself will you earn a substantial income, but only if you are successful. There are many businesses that do not make a lot for many years and then something suddenly goes their way and profits start rolling in. Others will do really well from the beginning, but may fail later if they do not take account of the growing competition using their ideas.

Success will depend on your outlook and determination, but if you do get it right there is nothing more rewarding than the simple knowledge that you have cut free from the burden of employment and are in charge of your own future.