•  Entrepreneurship: Friend or foe? •  What are your motivations? The reality of entrepreneurship. •  Are you more confused than ever?

Nations around the world have nurtured entrepreneurship for centuries, but never before has there been such a phenomenal number of entrepreneurs -- from small business owners to the Bill Gates types of today's technology revolution. However, it is vital to be realistic in your expectations, knowing the vast majority of entrepreneurs own small ventures and not megacorporations. Many entrepreneurs are not seen on "Oprah," are not featured in Time magazine and are not rushing to the bank with millions of dollars. Rather, they are hardworking individuals who have chosen entrepreneurial career paths for a diversity of personal and professional reasons.

Should You Do It?

Before you decide to launch an entrepreneurial venture, ask yourself the following questions:

• Are you a risk-taker?
• Can you live with the uncertainty of when you'll get your next paycheck? Do you have money saved?
• Can you work tirelessly for weeks and months on end? Do you have a high level of energy?
• Can you work through disappointments and lost opportunities, and continue to move forward?
• Are you confident, assertive, self-motivated and self-reliant?
• Do you have the emotional support of your friends and family?

If you answered "yes" to these questions, then you most certainly have the qualities that are so vital for entrepreneurial success. Without those qualities and an intense commitment, you'll face an almost insurmountable challenge.

Why Not?

Then, ask yourself why you're considering entrepreneurship. Here are some common reasons not to pursue an entrepreneurial career path:

• To escape the drudgery of a 9-to-5 job. An eight-hour workday will seem like a vacation when you're self-employed.
• To make a ton of money. No matter the business concept, no matter the marketing strategy, no matter your network of contacts, building a new venture costs money. It will take time, maybe six months, or even three years, before you ever begin to see a steady stream of profits.
• To call your own shots. Although you may be profitably self-employed and think you're running the show, the reality is your customers run the show. Now, instead of reporting to just your manager, you're reporting to each and every client you work for. Your accountability increases, not decreases.
• To choose your hours. You'll find that you're working around the clock to meet deadlines. Sure, it's easier to take a Friday off here and there, but only if your business continues to operate and respond to client needs in your absence.
• To create a stable working environment. Entrepreneurship is a dynamic and forever-changing career path. You must be able to work fluidly, be willing to change as the market and your customers dictate, and be able to emotionally handle the constant flux in which you may find yourself.

Are you totally discouraged now? Don't be! Yes, entrepreneurs face uncertainties, long hours, financial concerns and tremendous commitments, but there are also tremendous advantages.

Work is such a huge part of our lives today so both personal and professional fulfillment are vital. Choose the path that is most closely aligned with your skills and long-term career objectives. Go forward with zest and determination, and make your career what you want it to be!