1. You are your own boss - Sick of your manager giving you a hard time in a job you loath? If you start your own business, the only person you have to answer to is yourself. Being your own boss gives you the freedom to do the things your way and implement your own plans. Of course, you live or die by your decisions, but that is what is good about it isn't it?

2. You get to do what you're interested in - If you are stuck behind a desk selling insurance over the phone to uninterested pensioners, the chances are that you would rather be doing something else. The good thing about being an entrepreneur is that you choose what kind of business you start up, and where. So, providing that you have done your research properly and there is a gap in the market, you can turn a hobby or interest into a profitable enterprise.

3. Your firm = your deadlines - Clocking on and off in a dull job that generates profits for your cigar chomping boss can become slightly soul destroying after a while. Start your own business and you get to set and meet your own deadlines, of course, you won't be able to lie in bed all day thinking you might do a bit of work after Bargain Hunt has finished, you will need self discipline. Meeting your own targets can be a huge motivation to work hard and drive the business forward.

4. Get creative - If you have considered going it alone, you will have thought how to do things your way. Being an entrepreneur gives you the freedom to express yourself and develop your concept in the way you choose. Of course, there are always financial constraints, but the ability to be as creative as you like is far more appealing than the one-dimensional job that a monkey could do one-handed.

5. Its not that hard to do - The news is full of stories about the amount of red tape and taxes that small businesses have to face on a daily basis. However, over the past few years, several measures have been introduced that should make it easier to go it alone. From the Small Business Loan Guarantee to various inner-city projects, the government certainly can't be accused of doing absolutely nothing for budding entrepreneurs. With the Princes Trust, Business Link, IT Edge and other support organisations also up and running, you should be able to secure the help and funding needed to get started.

6. It can be profitable - If you think it's just large corporations that make big profits, you would be wrong. There are countless stories of entrepreneurs hitting on a great idea, exploiting it well and being well on their way to their first million by the end of the year. Although the startup process can be tough, with long hours and little money, if you run your business well, the rewards can be huge. from a purely selfish point of view, you will get most of the profits yourself.

7. Its varied - Dealing with spreadsheets one minute, suppliers the next and then having to look around your new office - an entrepreneur's work is not just busy, it's also extremely varied. If you are uninspired by your monotonous job, starting your own business will keep you on your toes and stretch your abilities to the maximum. If you want a career where every day is different, going it alone could be for you.

8. You can have a second career - Of course, if you don't fancy giving up a regular income, you can always get the best of both worlds and stay as an employee while running your own business. Although juggling the two can be tricky, having a successful sideline should be a very profitable option. Do something you are interested in and go for it.

9. Cut the commute- Although most small firms operate from offices many entrepreneurs find that operating from home reduces costs dramatically in the early stages. As well as providing familiar, comfortable surroundings to work in, if you are based at home you do not have to endure the daily tangle of public transport and clogged up roads.

10. The big dream can really become reality - You may feel that starting up a small business won't lead to anything more than having your own desk and taking on a few extra staff so you can have that branch in Hampstead that you always planned. However, it is possible to make it really big, so if you dream of being the next Richard Branson, don't dismiss it as a mere fantasy - it could really happen. So what are you waiting for?