Self Employed???

I started my own business 3 yrs ago after losing everything I owned in a house fire and then being let go from another job I was working at the time. My line of business is in the same field as which I was employed in (Appliance Installations) I had a shoestring budget $800.00 and already had my tools from my last job. Took some business courses for free at the local community college. Bought a very used 88 Chev Van and started getting my name out there. Actually I was getting my name out there before I started my own gig through Craigslist services posting (It's free) Was fortunate enough to get in contact with a district manager from Sears and set up a meeting. I was working for another of Sears Subcontractors who stiffed me out of $3700.00 in pay for completed work. I saved all the e mails and voice mails I was sending and receiving inquiring as to where my paychecks were, and in this meeting I played this guys excuses for not paying me and showed him the e mails and explained to him this is why the calls were not getting completed because I couldn't afford to run my truck without paychecks. After the district manager saw my evidence and documents, he got me quick approved as a contractor on my own and I have never looked back. it is a LOT of work to make any business run and there will be lean times. I know firsthand of this. I do all of my business functions from scheduling to installing to paperwork. But I wouldn't trade it for going to work for "the man". I do not mind working 16 hr days as long as I am the master of my own destiny. As stated you will defiantly become a conservative in your view of how Government is NOT on the side of small businesses. Good luck and keep us posted.