[embee]

I've been self employed since 1991. It came about after taking voluntary redundancy so I had a decent lump sum to keep me alive.

Look carefully into the effects it will have on any benefits you may or may not rely on at some time, like unemployment/job-seekers or whatever it's called these days. Once you declare yourself self-employed it all changes.

Very few people make much money as a "one-person-band" business, unless you can create a niche with high value demand. Be realistic. Remember you have to run the business at the same time as doing the job. Keep overheads down "at all costs", otherwise you end up working simply to pay for the business to exist. Premises cost a fortune, avoid. Minimise stock/inventory, minimise your exposure to up-front expenditure. One bad job means you need to do 2 good ones to break even again, 3 jobs and no profit (may as well stay in bed). Don't be afraid to turn down work if it looks like it might not pay. Learn to recognise potential bad-payers and avoid; chasing them is stressful and takes up time you could be earning money, and you still might not get paid. Have very clear terms for payment.

If you absolutely need a certain income, S/E can be extremely stressful. If you have some cash float it can be very rewarding. Working for a salary is a much easier way to make a decent living, but if you can afford to be S/E it can be enjoyable.

If in doubt do a trial period in parallel to your regular job, you can do it perfectly legally either as S/E or on a casual basis. See if it can work.