What do you think is the number one wish of the average woman when it comes to her work/career life?

I recently did a survey of 100 women, single, married women/stay at home moms, and divorced women with children, in which I asked the question, ìIf could decide what your work life would look like, what would you choose? The overwhelming majority answered one of the following ways:

a) Start my own business, be my own boss, make my own schedule b) Do some type of work that I could make a good living, and have the ability to stay at home with my children.

Their greatest wish with regard to their work/career lives was to have the ability to either run their own businesses, or have the ability to make money at home.

The married women/stay at home moms that I interviewed told me that their wish for starting their own businesses was to contribute to the household income, whether or not it was a financial necessity. The divorced women in the group, wanted not to be completely dependent on child support, so that if and when it no longer existed, they did not have to worry about what they were going to do for money.

According to the National Foundation for Women Business Owners, and the U.S. Census Bureau, "Between 1997 and 2004, the estimated growth rate in the number of women-owned firms was nearly twice that of all firms (17% vs. 9%), employment expanded at twice the rate of all firms (24% vs. 12%)."

Those are some incredible numbers. More and more women are starting their own businesses. It seems to be the way to go. Back in 2001, I started my first business. I've since started two other businesses, all of which I diligently work at from the comfort of my home office. Granted, one of them requires that I be 'out in the field' from time to time, but I wouldn't trade it for a regular nine to five for all the money in the world.

I know many women who have started their own successful businesses. Most of whom started (as I did) as the result of a divorce. I have one friend in particular, who used to have constant arguments with her ex-husband about various issues. When they would argue, he would ask her loudly, ìShould I call my lawyer?î Every time he asked that question, she would quietly say ìNo.î Little did he know she was working toward opening her own daycare center. When all of her ducks were in a row, they had another argument, at which time he asked his usual question, ìShould I call my lawyer?î This time, she looked him dead in the eye, and replied, ìYeah. You should call your lawyer. Get him to call my lawyer. Here's his card. We're done.î She now owns and runs a successful daycare center from her home. She also has a 6 month waiting list of children, who are waiting to get into her daycare.

Are you interested in making your own money at home? From typing at home, to starting your own catering company, some of the best home based business opportunities exist right now! Do some research, choose one, and go for it!

To Your Success!

Melissa Harvey

Copyright 2006 Melissa Harvey All Rights Reserved.

About the Author: Melissa Harvey is a divorced mother of two who currently owns and runs two successful businesses that she operates from her home. Find more of Melissa's home business suggestions at http://reallifeafterdivorce.blogspot.com.

Source: www.isnare.com