I am a 46 year old machine tool worker. I go through periodic layoffs but this time my company is closing for good. I have a small side business doing handyman work. Is this the time to try to expand it and become self-employed? (more…)

I am a 24 year old woman with a master’s degree in English literature. I’m currently managing a bookstore and contemplating going for my Ph.D. and teaching. My father owns a publishing and marketing company with about $15 million in revenues. My younger brother is 19 and a freshman in college. He says he has no idea what he wants to major in, except maybe partying. Our father is in his late 50’s and had a heart attack last year. Two weeks ago he asked me to come into the business and eventually run it. He feels confident I could do it with the help of management training and a mentoring program over the next 3 or 4 years. I know a great deal about the business having worked in it throughout my adolescence. I’m engaged to be married in six months to someone who is in the publishing industry. I haven’t mentioned it to him yet since I think he might see it as a good opportunity for us but I’m not sure that’s what I want to do. I feel selfish and scared. How should I be thinking about this? (more…)

I have been working for an information technology company for the past eight years. I am bored and tired of working for the man. The money is ok but I keep wondering if I should test the waters of self-employment. How do I determine whether the right move is to take the plunge? (more…)

I am the CEO and owner of a family business. I have been hoping to retire soon but I feel trapped. I have two sons in the business but they simply don’t get along. I have a daughter who doesn’t want any part of the company but I think she’s the smartest one. She has an MBA and runs a business twice as big as ours. My wife is putting pressure on me to sell the business and be done with it. I’m tempted to do it and move to Arizona. Suggestions? (more…)