When the recession hit in 2008 unemployment soared. It became an incentive for many people to pursue different career paths, and the number of new small businesses increased dramatically. The U.S. Small Business Administration reports that since 1990 big businesses have eliminated 4 million jobs while small businesses have added 8 million. Once upon a time (this is no fairy tale) jobs with large corporations were desirable because people wanted to build a career with the same employer for the next 30 years. Oh my, how the landscape has changed.

A close friend works for a large corporation, which moved its headquarters from New York City to Charlotte, N.C. He and his co-workers were provided the opportunity to stay with the

firm, but they all had to re-apply for their positions. Unfortunately, this is common and helps explain why employer loyalty has eroded. At the end of the day, don’t assume the job you’ve got today will be there until you retire. I don’t view this as a matter of trust; it’s simply the reality of change and the impact of technology.

This lack of stability has been an incentive for many people to consider starting a small business. If that has been in the back of your mind, then this might be a great

time to test the waters. The advice I have to offer in this short column is really just a teaser; you really need to do tons of research before you venture out on your own. But for some of us, this is a life changer, and you should seriously explore your options.

In the process of helping people develop contingency career plans, I have researched this transition in great depth and have identified two key principles that seem to be deal breakers for most people.

• You need to be a risk taker. The possibility of losing my home (I intentionally use the word home, instead of house) and putting my family through that drama was the No. 1 reason I never had the guts to go out on my own. I know a person in Ithaca who was a house developer in the 1980s who was worth several millions when he was doing well. He overdeveloped, lost it all and was working as a landscaper earning an hourly wage the last time I saw him. The good news is he was smiling and had a very positive attitude about his experience. Eventually, he became a salesman for a local Realtor and said he never regretted venturing out on his own. For him, the option of saying, “I wish I would have …” was a worse outcome than his failing business. Is this an outcome you can live with?

• You need to love the business you choose because you will work more hours than you ever imagined, and it will be on your mind 24/7. If your main objective is making more money beware that doing something you don’t enjoy can quickly become a grind.

I studied graphic arts in college and my good friend Frank was very successful before he reached 30 and quite frankly (pun intended), we were all jealous of his success. Ten years later I heard Frank quit his job because the stress level was making him ill and he was working  construction for his father-in-law. The feedback from my friends was that Frank was much happier in his new career and his family was grateful that he made the change.

You may be confused trying to figure out whether I’m encouraging people to start their own businesses or if my intent is to discourage those who are not ready to make such a dramatic change. It may be impossible, but I’m trying to do both.

If you’re willing to take the risk — GO FOR IT! I’ve actually taken a few risks in my career, and I have no regrets. The idea of saying, “I wish I would have …” is no longer on my mind and for me, it was the right decision. At the same time I know people like Frank who aren’t comfortable with the risk and the responsibility of being the sole proprietor of a business. Every business needs great employees and thank goodness not everyone wants to be the chief.

I hope you’re successful in finding the best path that works for you.

Kaminski is president of Stone Associates Training. He is an HR consultant with 35 years of experience in the employment field, teaching managers the art of hiring great employees. He also is an adjunct instructor at Keuka College. You can contact him with your questions, suggestions and comments at bill@stoneassociatestraining.com.