Big Question

[pickle]

Malvolio,
In the past 11 years of working in my field I have undertaken more than 600 projects worldwide

feck me, thats more than one a week. Are you a painter & decorator?

[Asterix]

Which one ?

Are you asking for or offering us advice ? Can't work out exactly why you've come to this forum

[lukemg]

Hat's off to you if you will try to build up another business after getting stung, I think it is very difficult to balance all the requirements, staff, getting fresh work, gambling on cash coming in etc and one problem outside your control means it goes bump ! Seen this happen, guy going really well ended up in big debt for kit he layed cash out for, paying off for years.
I am 40 and happy to squeeze a few more contract years out - turn up , put big effort in while there, go home and wait for the cash, no worries. But I will be looking for a cozy permie role at the same time, don't want to be playing the game every 3-6 months, working away etc when I am hitting 50 and beyond (yes I know it doesn't mean you won't be turfed out, but there are some good companies out there who look after people, develop, prospects etc for people who are capable and can play the game).
Thank god that I didn't stay in a cosy permie job till now, clinging on to be recognised and promoted through endless appraisals etc
Not worth the worry unless you can be more certain it will pay off big time. Watch Dragon's Den, anything relying on single person or not easily scaleable just aint worth the grief.