Stable enough to leave job?

I started my online business about four years ago and it's doing very well. So well in fact, that I've thought of opening a little boutique downtown. One problem, I fear jumping in with both feet & leaving my career. I've been there for 10+ years and the benefits are GREAT. However, I know it will kill me to have to hire someone to run "my" business because I have to work elsewear. I'll want to be there, hands on. Suggestions???

Even if your business doesn't work out you have the experience to easily get another job. Don't get comfortable in one place and don't be afraid to try new things. I'm sure you've gained all the skills you need to go at it alone. New Year, New Start!

Take into account the cost of your benefits as they exist today. If it comes in under your revenue projections you'll be able to write it all off as I'm sure you know.

People who leave a job to start their own businesses are rarely penalized by potential employers especially in the tech or retail sectors.

Good luck.

What??? You work in a stable and want to leave??? Do you know how many people would love to work with horses??? ;)

(yeah, I know . . . go ahead and give me a negative rating for that awful joke; I deserve it!)

I know what I would do if I were you---I'd open the boutique and quit the job. However, I am a risk-taker in business. Many people are not. It depends on your personal comfort level with taking risks.

Will your products sell better online or in a boutique? Have you done any marketing in the area in which you wish to sell your product?

Your decision should also be determined in part by your current financial situation. Are you thinking ahead and do you have enough savings to pay your bills for at least 6 months? Will you have to cancel your health insurance?

Running a business is very time-consuming---when I owned mine, I worked 7 days a week, and sometimes 18 hours a day (marketing, sales, tradeshows, filling in for employees who didn't show up to work, accounting, etc.) One Christmas Eve several years ago I returned home from a job out of town, walked into my home, and threw up from the stress.

I can tell you that the excitement of running my own business, even amid all the stress and long hours, was the perfect job for me, based on my personality. Nothing excites me more than discussing business development. In fact, I am marketing a product now that has done well in local test groups over the past year---and am hoping the product will make me very wealthy. I have been doing this for a year, and don't feel comfortable enough to take it to the next level yet. I learned a great deal from my first business---make sure you have all of the starting capital (don't use your credit cards) and HAVE A BUSINESS PLAN. The Small Business Administration in your town is a great resource, as is SCORE, a group of retired professionals who are fabulous mentors. Good luck to you!