Women at work and their tips, challenges, advice, complaints, and experiences

Many of us dream of owning our own business.  So what's stopping us? About.com takes a look at the five barriers.

1. No Money.  The reality of starting a business means bootstrapping in the beginning to accomplish finding customers.  Forget the fancy office, or cool glossy brochures, over 48% of the Inc. 500 started with less than $20,000.
2. No Time.  Mastering time is the key.  You have to be willing to give up nights and weekends to get started, to reap the rewards that will eventually come.
3. No Benefits.  It can be easier for younger people that are healthy to forgo benefits for awhile.  But you can use your spouses plan or consider a Health Savings Account.
4. No Family Support.  To win support, take the time to explain your plans because if others can buy into it, they are your first line to success.
5. No Courage.  The biggest barrier to overcome is yourself.  Dig deep and have confidence.  Turn your fear around and have it work for you to drive you harder, rather than hold you back.

Take the plunge, and think of it as learning to accept fear as a silent companion, or competitor you are out to beat everyday.