Many work at home moms and dads didn't just throw caution to the wind one day and decide it made sense to leave stable pay and benefits in their 9-5 environment in favor of something that was not guaranteed and provided no financial perks unless extra income made the perk possible.

There are some who have lost the internal struggle with their work situation and made a radical sink-or-swim decision that brought them home and forced them to make money using their own skills and ideas.

For the majority there is a transition period where the individual will continue to work in a traditional job while developing a work at home business on the side. When the sideline business meets a certain income level then the individual might consider the possibility of making a switch in career paths.

There have been several country singers who kept their day job even after a successful album had been released simply because they struggled with letting go of a sure thing in favor of something that could fail.

It may be reasonable to consider four hours a day dedicated to the development of a work at home business while continuing to work a 9-5. I realize this adds another third to your workday and it may interfere with family time, but if you can shift, reschedule, get up earlier, etc. you may be able to make it work. It's really not unlike the sacrifices you might make if you were to go back to college while working and providing for your family at the same time. The idea is that a few sacrifices now might mean a better life for your family in the future. You'll need the support of your spouse if you're married with children.

There are many who will cast a wishful glance at a work from home opportunity, but remain tied to their regular jobs. Often it is the idea of security that leaves them unable to make a decision about a work at home job.

If you're looking at the possibility of starting something that will allow you to work at home you should consider at least an hour each day dedicated to research and development. This means you don't jump off the cliff before you check the depth of the water below. Too many good people have jumped at opportunities before they have a clear picture of what they are pursuing. They may feel pressured into taking the plunge and they often regret not seeking full disclosure.

Work at home opportunities can be wonderful or they can be an expensive learning curve. If you can take the time now to work through details prior to making this type of job your sole income you will stand a much greater chance of making a successful transition.

Every entrepreneur has a need to develop an idea and see it succeed. This is why a systematic investment process is needed well in advance of a life change. Allow two jobs to intersect. This will enable you to see if a work from home job is right for you or if a simple sideline position is enough. You may even decide it is not right at all, but you are able to make that discovery while maintaining a job you may need.