The economy seems to have stabilized. And perhaps some solid growth is just ahead of us.

Jobs have stabilized, but it appears re-hiring is going to happen slowly.

Benefits at companies have been slashed the past year and are not likely to return soon.

And you have this itching to do something yourself.

I would argue that now if the right time to be an entrepreneur.

Think about it.  The tradeoff most people make when thinking about being an entrepreneur goes something like this:

Reasons to do it:

Creativity

Freedom from bureaucracy

Opportunity to create and build something

Have a good idea that nobody is doing (or doing well)

Make money (!)

Reasons not to do it:

Cushy job and steady income

Health care and other benefits

Stability and predictability

Fear of the unknown

I think we could all agree that for most jobs, the cushy, reliable income part has changed in the past 10 years – and especially in the past year.  Health care co-pays have increased while benefits have been decreased.  And the stability one came to expect from a job was thrown out the window in the meltdown last year. 

So what is holding you back?  Fear of the Unknown.  Yep, that’s it.  Most people who want to become entrepreneurs but don’t make that choice out of fear.  Sometimes it is well-founded fear (perhaps they know their own limitations, perhaps a friend tried and failed).  But often it is just natural human fear of change, of the unknown, and of risk.  Humans by their very nature (except a few adventurous folks) try to avoid risk – certainly risk that could put your life savings on the line.

But when you choose where to invest, isn’t the best investment sometimes yourself?  Can’t you control your own actions, energy, dedication, and focus?  You sure have a better handle on yourself than you do a fund manager who takes chances with OPM (other people’s money).

This does not mean you should drop everything and hang out your shingle.  Entrepreneurship takes planning, hard work, and an incredible attention to detail.  But it does mean that for a lot of would-be entrepreneurs, you should be looking deep inside and ask yourself: “Do I believe in me?” 

The last thing you want is to spend your whole life thinking what if?

Be an entrepreneur!