Ready?

This is one of those narcissistic blogs where I talk about me and my life and expect you to read with interest and enthusiasm.

You may or may not know that my current job is less than stellar.  It rarely provides me with any sense of accomplishment, it is not overly challenging and it does not provide the income that I need at this stage in my life.  I know I'm not alone in all this right?

Through networking I met a woman who owns a education technology company.  She sells a variety of top of the line sofware and industry leading products.  I'm not just making that crap up, I googled it all and did my research.  She pays a fair commission and her reps make great money.  They work hard and drive a lot but they are adequately rewared (IMO).  The company provides the laptop and the training and you get to work out of your home. 

I spent yesterday driving all over Ohio with one of her reps to get a feel for the job.  I was really encouraged by the time I spent with him.  He loves what he does and is adamant about how well the company treats him and how well it services its clients (good news).  He also pointed out that I'd be able to carry an extra product line that he didn't have and that the company already had a good reputation in the territory that I'd be taking (more good news).

As far as products go, I think its facinating.  I dabble with pretty much anything tech related and I'd get to play with whiteboards, clickers, interactive software etc. for a living.  Yes, the economy is in the shitter, but grants continue and stimulus money keeps getting allocated to education.

I'm trying to think of any reasons that I shouldn't jump at this.  A handful of moderate sales and I'm way ahead of where I am now.  I guess it's been a while since I've lived off of commission.  It's also a foreign concept to work completely alone.  I'm pretty independant right now, reporting to a board once a month, so I feel pretty confident that I could motivate myself.  Since I'd be considered an independant contractor I'd be paid by a 1099 or set up an S-Corp., another motivation to sell I guess.  I'm wrestling with the fear of the unknown right now.  I'm planning to sit down for the final meeting next week and either poop or remove myself from the comode.

Anyone else work a similar situation or jump the fence from the W2 to the independant worker?  Do you consider the freedom to be worth the risk?