A colleague of mine has just given notice to her employer in order to devote herself more fully to her growing business.

From what I can tell she feels relieved, happy and “unleashed.” No I don’t think she’s got a secret pot of cash at home to make the transition cushy. But I do think she is feeling that sense of potential and control that is so appealing to the thousands of people who decide to make it on their own everyday.

According to a 2004 Vanderbilt University study the number of entrepreneurs aged 45-64 was projected to grow by 15 million in 2006.

The 2006 U.S. Census Bureau reports that 1 out of 2 of the nation’s businesses are operated from home.

A 2006 Wells Fargo/Gallup Poll survey shows that on average small business owners work 52 hours per week.

I share all these statistics in support of an instinct shared by many and that is that we are a nation of “wanna be” and successful entrepreneurs. Why? There are probably many reasons, some dealing with the lack of long term employment security in the workplace. But more interestingly a recent Yahoo Small Business survey reports that 3/4 of U.S. adults who go online say the Internet has made it easier to start a business.

That’s no surprise with the growing amount of business writers (ahem), internet marketers, virtual assistants, life coaches, consultants, editors and a host of other professionals who are making a good living running their businesses and securing clients via the Internet.

At the very least this gives current employees or the unemployed some hope, ideas and encouragement regarding the choices that are out there. We live on the leading edge of the developing world. If you desire to gain some control in how and where you work what are doing to carve out your place or niche in the marketplace?