I am seriously thinking of not returning to work, or returning for a short while and then leaving and trying to start a small business at home.  My partner is very much behind me on this, but I'm not really that confident about it myself. 
I have been thinking about maybe a small tax consultancy (which is what I have experience in but am not that interested in!!) and trying to get into proof-reading if possible.  Has anyone actually given up a job to work at home?  Do you regret it?  How hard was it?  Has anyone had any experience of freelance proof-reading or copy-editing and can give me some idea of how much work is around and how you actually get into it?  I have ordered a book on this but it hasn't arrived yet.
Thanks for any help.
Best wishes
Alex

Hi Alex
I work from home, as a freelance graphic designer. I left quite a well paid job as a studio manager to do so, but have never looked back! I spent all my time at work getting stressed and sorting out problems, I never actually did much design work! I had the promise of freelance work before I took the plunge, it wasn't much of a guarantee, but I went for it any way - my boyfriend was fully behind me. That was 4 years ago! I now have work comng out of my ears! I sometimes work late into the night and weekends to keep clients happy, but then some days, when I am not busy, I can take time off. (I can also walk my dog when ever I like!)

One of the biggest things I was worried about was doing all my own tax and stuff, but it sounds like you wouldn't have that problem!

As for proof reading, Graphic design agencies might be a good place to target, we used to use copy writers/proof readers all the time when I did catalogue work, there are pobably agencies that you could join who might find work for you.

Good luck, what ever you decide to do! I was unsure if I would be able to make a go of it but I have. My boyfriend was a great support to me and it sounds like your partner is behind you which is a major bonus. I always said I had to give it a try or else I'd always wonder, what if.....

My experience of working at home was mixed. I wouldn't do it again tho' because I found it very isolating - it obviously depends what you do, how much time you spend communicating with others. Also, unless you are VERY organised and motivated, it can be difficult to stick to a routine and actually put in the hours that you need to, rather than walking the dogs or doing the housework  etc etc. It suits some people, not me tho' :D

Daisy

Alex

If you want to do proof reading I can put you in touch with a publishing company I used to work for who uses pleanty of freelance people :)

Any luck on your pension ?

Lucy
xx

Thank you very much for your replies - I have PM'd you Lucy.  I think the pension is a no go as I am improving although I doubt whether I'll be able to work full time again.  I would be really grateful for contact with the publishing company though, I am getting gradually more and more enthusiastic about this idea.
Joules, I totally agree with you, I needed a kick to get out of the unhappy rut I was in and I will always regret this if I don't at least give it a go so I am pretty much decided.  I understand about the isolation problem Daisy but my partner works at home a fair bit and we are very close.  I am used to keeping out of his way when he is really busy and hopefully I'll be able to organise my work to fit in with his.  I have been at home now for around nine months and have found I have just seen more of friends and have not really felt at all lonely.  Organisation is not my strongest point though so I will have to work on this.
Anyway thank you all for your input, much appreciated.
Alex
xx

Hi Treacle

By all means go fpr it. I started my own business from home 2 years ago and really havnt looked back. However I would say that partly because of the nature of the business it eats both my time and money. So I have spent far longer than I planned without paying myself and it feels as if I am contatintly paying for new equipment for the company. It can feel very isolated even if you are working with a partner, since you will find possibly that you have less to talk about in the evenings having shared the day! But there are easy ways round this, by having hobbies etc. I even took an occaisional job in a pub to get a little cash and meet people. You do need to be disciplined and organised or things that you dont enjoy doing will be left!

Having said that I did do things the hard way by setting up in an industry that I knew little about and manufacturing!