So there you are. It's Thursday afternoon, the sun is bright, the world is beckoning and you think to yourself, "There has to be a million things I could do right now if I could escape work." Even non-glamorous, inexpensive things such as a walk in the park seem just out of reach. You start to ponder your options as you stare at the world from your stagnate air, florescent lighted domain.

You could fake a sickness, but then tomorrow you'd have to explain your miraculous recovery. How about using some of that precious vacation? If you could only peek at your boss' Outlook schedule, you could see if she has an all afternoon meeting so you could sneak off.

Oh sure you have work to do. I mean there is ALWAYS work to do right? Just like in your personal life where you could be writing bills, reviewing your cell phone statement for those hidden charges, change the batteries in the smoke detectors and on and on. The point is though, that a couple of hours on a Thursday won't impact the bottom line of the company. The TPS report or returning a call won't break or make anything.

Then, oh yes, THEN, it hits you. 'I could run my own company, then I wouldn't have to ask if I enjoy the afternoon in this wonderful place we live'.

Welcome to the world of Jay Richard.

The trouble is, really, that it's just not that easy. It's very very hard to replace your salary, and don't even think about the benefits.

The first part of the journey is the most treacherous. As soon as you even get an inkling to be your own boss, you will be inundated with the multitude of franchise and start up opportunities. They range from start up costs of $5,000 to the hundreds of thousands. Each sales person will court you with endless beautiful packages of prosperity. No doubt they will point you to someone in their business that is mindlessly successful. While you can rest assured that the person they point you to is legitimate and has been successful, they will shy you away from those who have lost everything.

Am I saying that they are all a sham? Nonsense. They are legitimate fine opportunities. They wouldn't survive if they weren't. The truth is, no matter what anyone tells you, you had better be able to sustain 2 to 3 years without a salary if you do any kind of start up. That's the hard truth. No matter how many stories you here about someone starting a business and 1 year later they can't get to the bank quick enough to make a deposit, be realistic. Check around and find out how many small businesses fail. In fact, you can ask the franchise and they have to tell you.

So, you don't have the skills or stomach or bank account to do a startup. What about an existing business?. Sure, that's just the ticket, right? There are tons of business for sale. Just look at www.bizbuysell.com - the eBay of small businesses. The first thing you will notice is that most are represented by someone called a business broker. Most people have never heard of such a profession, but imagine a real estate broker for businesses. Same concept, similar rules.

The broker represents the seller, not you. Never forget that, because long after the deal is done, you will be a vague remembrance to the broker. Just like any good real estate broker will acclimate to you, become your confidant and guide, it's the same with a business broker. All of the prosperity that was tossed in the blue sky that you were told was destined to be yours is nothing but a memory to the broker once you take the keys to the front door.

So now, you might be getting that sinking feeling. You would love to own your own business, yet I've painted a dismal pictures. Strikingly difficult start-up situations and unscrupulous brokers - is that all there is?

No. In fact if you are serious about buying a business you should talk to a personal friend of mine who is a business broker and has more integrity than you can image. His name is Todd Kemp and you can reach him through http://www.sunbeltdenver.com/ .

What makes me such an expert on this matter? Well, after looking for a year, I found a business to buy. Yes, it takes that long. The average search is 18 months. Who would have thought it would be so hard to spend your money?

I too started combing through franchises. It was quite education learning about the legal aspects, the royalty fees (expect 8%), the mandatory other fees such as conference and technology fees. You do get the benefit of a proven business model and corporate support, but keep in mind you are paying for it.

I determined that it would probably be best if I found something making money right away, even if the upfront cost was more. The truth is that the cost may or may not be more. The trick is deciphering the details. Most small businessmen will put everything they can possibly find as an expense to gain the tax benefit. Which is fine, I mean, whatever they can sleep with at night is their business, but it makes it difficult to understand what is really going to be money in your pocket.

Then there is the selling price. What should it really be? 2 times earnings? 3 times earnings? 1 times earnings? It can be time consuming and in the end, the straw that breaks the businessman's back.

You might wonder if I'm scared. The answer is yes. I'm giving up the comfort of corporate world benefits, insurance, 401Ks, paid vacations and certainly of a steady paycheck regardless if the sales for the month are a little low or not.

Last year, I was laid off from my company of 16.5 years. They had come to the conclusion that I cost more that I was worth. When I walked out the door I vowed that I was done with agendas and goals and PowerPoint presentations. I had the realization that I would never be a big wig executive or even middle management for what it's worth. I decided that I never wanted to sit across the desk from a boss half my age to review my top 3 weaknesses, I mean "opportunities", for a 3 percent raise. The company afforded me a nice severance package and helped me excel the rate and seriousness of my business search.

In my business buying journey, I'm on the home stretch. I'm now at the point where I 'm about to take the leap. The leap that will provide a good future with the freedom I'm been seeking or big a financial downfall.

Oh yes I'm scared. However, the only thing that scares me more is the thought of spending 20 more years staring out of a cubicle on a Thursday afternoon pondering the millions of things I could be doing.