RB> I have had a back injury two years ago. Since then my life has changed
 RB> as I have not been able to get around much anymore. I do not like the
 RB> thought of having to go on any welfare, or to take a job that has no
 RB> mental/physical challenges.
I know whereof you speak.  My life changed completely in March of 1992.  I 
have rarely left the house since.  After 10 months on Workers' Compensation, 
followed by retraining and reschooling so that I could work as a Customs 
Broker (with modern technology that no longer requires commuting to the 
border) until Free Trade came in an put thousands of customs workers out of 
work, then 11 months on unemployment while it looked steadily more and more 
unlikely I would ever be employed again, I have been working out of my house 
as a telecommunications broker.
 RB> I am seeking to learn more about the home businesses and what types of
 RB> businees' are profitable. I am not looking to get rich quick. I just
 RB> wish to provide my three children and future wife some security.
The business that will suit you will depend on your skills, experience, 
knowledge, and interests.  Start with what you can do, and find a way to be 
paid for it.
 RB> How do you seek out a home-based business and what/where is a good
 RB> source of information. I have not worked in two years and am still
 RB> gaining mobility so my funds are low. Whats 
 RB> available out there to open
 RB> my eyes a bit and search out a new career.
My funds were non-existant.  In fact, one of my sons had moved back home in 
order to nurse me at first, and to keep the rent paid after I was able to 
take care of myself.  The last thing in the world I wanted was to live off my 
kids, but all my savings were gone, including what I'd put aside "for my old 
age."  The one thing I can do is run an office efficiently, and give good 
customer service.  I knew nothing about the new telecommunications industry, 
and only the barest minimum about using computers (thanks to the retraining 
provided by Workers' Compensation).  The partners had the means to borrow 
start up money, and had the knowledge of computers and telecommunications, so 
I provided the office skills they lacked, and they taught me the basic 
knowledge of the product.  It took six months before enough was coming in to 
pay my wages so that I was free of the government.  The partnership has 
disolved (the other two thought we should have been making big money inside 
of two years - without enough start up money for a bigger advertising budget, 
or enough to pay wages for staff, there wasn't the means to grow faster than 
we did) but the two of us who are left are now self-supporting and also 
paying others.  We hope in another year to be able to live with a bit of 
comfort (I'd like new clothes instead of second hand, you know?) but we do 
feel that we've "made it" in that the company is supporting us and is 
continuing to grow.  I don't know if my story will help you any, but I hope 
it shows you that it can be done, even without the resources most people 
think you need.
 RB> Anything thing you have to say on the above would be greatly
 RB> appreciated.
Assess what skills you have from your worklife and just life that could be 
transfered into a new life.  What are you good at (whether or not it has 
anything to do with what you did for a living) and how can you use that 
skill/ability/ talent to make money?  Throw out some ideas, and maybe one of 
us will see some possibilities.
--- Maximus 2.01wb
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