I may be making the worst mistake of my life...

[WillParkinson]

Recent events at work have caused me to start rethinking what I want to do with my life (kind of scary at 46 years old) and I'd really just like to own a storefront with housing over it so that I can live and work in one place.

Until that time Paul and I are discussing setting up a business online selling specialty sauces (BBQ, relishes and the like) and stuff that we can't find locally, possibly doing farmers markets, etc.

I know this will be a lot of work, but I'd like to move beyond what I'm doing now and try to find something that I can do when I can no longer handle being at my current job.

Tell me if I'm making a huge mistake or should I try to follow my heart?

[seabeyond]

1. start working toward it.

we have a handful of years until last child leaves school. but in the meantime we are fine tuning what we want. owning a business is scary and hard work. lots and lots of hard work. the freedom of it though, .... makes it well worth it. it is doable. focus on what you want and make it happen.

ya

i am a believer in going with the heart

[raccoon]

2. Is it possible you could get started with the new business on a small scale

while you're still in your current job?

(I'm in a similar position. :hi:

[WillParkinson]

3. Yes, we're going to start small...

Just online and farmers markets. The brick & mortar is a ways off.

[Brickbat]

4. If you don't, you'll wish you had.

[tigereye]

5. you should do what makes you happy, or at least give it a shot

if we only get one go around in life, we might as well do what we want.

:thumbsup:

[LaurenG]

6. Try,

Try it while you are still working, you never know until you try. Also, I used to get this stuff called Claudes Brisket Sauce when I lived in Texas. I have never seen it sold beyond Ruidoso, New Mexico. If you can get your hands on it you should try it out. It makes the best Brisket ever. I think that should go on your web site.

Oh and I'd buy it for tofu since I don't eat meat anymore.

Best wishes to you in setting this up and having the courage to go for it!

[WillParkinson]

19. We don't eat meat either...

But the sauces are good on our veggie foods, too.

[sinkingfeeling]

7. First, check out all local health requirements. There are places that will not let you sell food

products that are made in 'home' kitchens or require a license.


Found exactly what you need to read: http://www.foodsafety.wisc.edu/assets/factsheets/small_business_FactSheet08.pdf

Starting a Small Food Business in Wisconsin

How do you go about getting permission to market your famous
barbeque sauce? Or what if you wish to sell pickles or homemade jam
at the local farmers’ market?

[EnviroBat]

8. See it in your mind everyday.

Imagine yourself in that place, and LIVE it in your mind. Make it a reality, and before you know it, viola! ti's happening...

Best of luck to you. I've been having quite similar thoughts recently, but mine involve a pizza shop.

[xchrom]

9. life is very short -- do what you love doing. nt

[grasswire]

10. here's what I think

I think you need a hedge product too -- by that I mean something that people who can't afford specialized hot sauces can buy from you. Hedge your bets by offering some kind of product that is very practical -- something that helps the family have good-tasting meals on less money.

I'm just not real confident in the "recovery" happening.

I've been thinking of opening a shop too, but see storefronts shutting down everywhere.

Oh, have you seen that show on the new Cooking Channel called "foodcrafters"? It's about entrepreneurs who develop food products. Very interesting.

[Raven]

11. I was about your age when I made a life changing career move

, left a large law firm with a comfortable future and set up my own law firm with 2 other brave women. It was one of the best moves I ever made and we were wildly successful. One very important thing is to establish a BUSINESS PLAN. This is critical! DO IT! The Boston College Business School and MIT have centers that will help you develop the plan. Once the plan was on paper, it was real and we followed it.

FOLLOW YOUR DREAM! Life is too short not to!

[Fleshdancer]

12. Start the process

Keep your current job and spend the next 3-6 months doing you homework and coming up with your short and long term goals. Many cities have wonderful orgs dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground. You'll also find a ton of great resources online (which you've probably already started).

Great business idea btw!

[Amaril]

13. At 47 y/o, I'm right there with you.

Is it something with our age maybe?

I'm currently under contract with my present employer for a year, and after that......who knows? I've been thinking a lot the last few years about getting out of this field and doing something else with my life, but I'm at a loss as to what. Everything that I can picture myself LOVING doing every day (my dream has always been to have an outdoor outfitter / eco-adventure travel business -- I am a complete gadget geek, and love, Love, LOVE outdoor gear the way some women love shoes -- selling stuff and helping people plan adventure trips to amazing places) aren't exactly practicle in this economy. The last thing anybody has money for right now is camping / hiking gear or pleasure traveling.

[lunatica]

15. Camping gear and tents can come in handy for the new homeless

Just a thought to show that it helps to think out of the box.

[Amaril]

20. Interesting perspective

Capitalizing on the misfortune of others isn't a career path that would bring *me* satisfaction or joy, but hey, whatever floats your boat.

Or were you just being snarky?

[bluedigger]

14. "I may be making the worst mistake of my life..."

SO FAR!

You're still young. Go for it!

[lunatica]

16. It's not a mistake if you start small and keep your day job

Or if one of you quits but the other works.

I envy you.

[zanana1]

17. It might be a mistake...

It might be a huge success. You'll just never know until you try. Best of luck!

[MrMickeysMom]

18. I like the advice you're getting from people who say start now-

... while you're still where you are.

You have to know that there is a market for that business. If it deals with agencies who regulate food, or how you must shelve it, etc, then you have to know your method of doing this.

You must have a business plan, and don't get into debt.

IOW, start working towards it now, and this alone may show you the direction. It eventually becomes clearer and easier if you trust in the universe.

Good luck!