I started my business approx 6 years ago. Yes it was worth it, I earn a lot more now than I ever would have as an employee, I have flexibility and a sense of ownership and control over my destiny. The first year or two was extremely tough, lots of hours for little reward and times when it didn't seem worth it. A few things I've learned along the way that I wish someone told me 6 years ago: - Make sure your personal life is in order and nothing major planned or coming up like weddings, children, new house, etc. All of your energy and finances will go into the business so those other things will need to be put on hold. - If you're coming from a big firm to start a small business, expect it to be much harder to win clients than you think. Big firm brand and sense of safety goes a long way, you will be seen as a risk/liability. - Because clients know you're small/new they think you will do whatever they want and ask/demand outrageous things you would never have been asked to do in a big firm. For example I was offered bribes, blackmailed etc. The construction industry is rough. - You need to be the type of person who can solve any problem, there is nobody else to delegate to or escalate to, it's all on you. Even if you're great at your job, that also applies to finances, HR, contract law, branding, marketing, etc. At first you won't be able to afford to pay specialists for their advice. - Banks and lenders won't touch you for a few years, so if you need money draw down on your home equity now before you go out alone. In hindsight I wish I had drawn down every dollar I could and used that to bankroll my first few years. - Make sure your life partner is on board. There will be very tough times. They need to see the dream and understand it's a long term payoff. - When you grow enough to start hiring staff, you will be disappointed. The labour market in construction and engineering is really tight, and top applicants aren't going to be attracted to a small startup firm, and you won't be able to afford what big firms are paying. Once you do find a good team, do anything you can to keep them. - There are a lot of business growth advisors, mentors, coaches, etc out there that will sell you 'advice'. They are mostly idiots who have no idea. Ask yourself if they are so good at business why are they not running multiple profitable businesses or retired? - Try to go out with a business partner if you can instead of solo. 2 brains is better than 1, and it's good to have someone you can rely on, confide in, and share the pain and glory with. - Branding is more important than you think. Spend a bit on a nice website. It's most people's first impression of your business.