I bit the bullet & went self employed at the beginning of the year, 2008. Did my NIC assessment Nov 07. Had some experience working with an Electrician but every job is different, no matter what they teach you at college.
I'm 35 & had to do it before 40. Hopefully before I'm 40 I will have a steady income. Got a missus & 2 kids & a mortgage. Made sure I had about 3 months mortgage set aside for quiet times, but like I said it hasnt been that bad. I was driving tipper lorries before doing lectrics.
Took me all of 2007 to get my tools & get prepared, buying little bits here & there whilst I was getting a regular wage.