Thousands of people every year are making the big decision to work for themselves to escape the tyranny of the 9 to 5 job and the rule of their boss. Many of these people have never worked for themselves before and are often moving in to a new and different areas of work.

Does this sound like the sort of thing that you've dreamed of but wouldn't dare do? There are some simple steps that you can take to make your dream a reality.

Do a skills audit - consider what you are good at, what you are interested in, what your strengths are, what hobbies you enjoy. If you don't come up with a long list, then ask your friends and family to help you. Are you a great salesman, or creative? Are you thorough with detail, or are you more of a big ideas person? This will help shape and form your ideas of what you might be able to do.

Do a needs audit - consider your current standard of living and how much you'd be prepared to compromise to live a different lifestyle, with only yourself as boss and being able to choose the hours that you work. Be honest with yourself, but also challenge yourself to consider other options. If you are prepared to make some sacrifices during the transition from employed to self-employed, you're more likely to make a success of it.

Consider your support network - that is, who around you will be encouraging you and spurring you on when things get tough? Do you have friends and family who would be behind you. The one common theme in the stories of successful entrepreneurs is NOT their determination, creativity or financial acumen, but the fact that they ALL had someone who actually believed that they could achieve their dream. If you have just one person like this, who will encourage you, tell you that they know you can do it when everything and everyone else is waiting for you to fail, then you have the seeds to success already.

Consider your local area - where you live will influence what you can do. If you live in a rural area, you might be able to set up a market garden business; whereas living in the city, you may be able to offer a bookkeeping service to small businesses. Don't forget that wherever you live, the internet gives you worldwide access to a market of millions of people and provides great opportunities.

Research the options - write yourself a list of options and ideas. Don't do anything yet! Read as much information about your possible business as you can - either online or by visiting your local library or bookshop. Sign up to free courses via the internet and read the free information that is available on websites. Talk to people, find out as much as you can about the opportunities afforded by your new business idea and what some of the challenges you might face will be.

Don't quit - once you've made the decision, keep going. Take it one day at a time, one step at a time and remember that each step takes you closer to your goal. If you believe, you can achieve.