This is a good idea. If you have an idea test the waters of the market. It's capitalism at its very core.

That's very cool! I don't know how lucrative it would be, but it would certainly be cool for sports teams to get their stuff all in one place, at a bulk price.

Or you can wear a semi offensive shirt @ a airpot and make some $.

"If you're out of work right now, consider hiring yourself. "

Right but that guy at least does have A job...

Being unemployed is the perfect time to get your own business started.

Not only do you have more motivation, but also plenty of time.

Also having a limited budget makes your business model more lean and cost effective. If you can figure out how to run your business when you're broke, imagine what you can do once you do have money.

I started my business a 1 1/2 ago with furniture that was either left behind in my shop when I rented the place or it came from Goodwill, for example.

A lot of businesses fail because they had too much money to begin with, assumed that the large amount of money would always be there and spent their money that way.

@se7a7n7: Same with me. I started my business with a computer that I got by trading a Coach handbag I never used, a cup full of pens and pencils, and some Post-It notes.

@nevets68:

The only part of that entire story that was offensive was the TSAs actions.

Handy. I just got laid off today. :D

... :\

I turned my unemployment into self-employment for 2 years now. I've also just started a really big new project.

@nevets68: Your remark is unintelligent as it is ignorant of what happen, people like you need to be sterilized.

@nevets68: Litigation is the TRUE American way. 21st century, represent.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go get my "Mustache Rides" shirt ready for the NOW convention.

Count me as one of the unemployed-to-self-employed. Of course, I can't yet live off my self-employment, so I still have to supplement that with some part-time work, but it's gratifying to know I'm doing what I can to help myself.

With some luck and planning, I'll be able to work for myself exclusively before long.

@nevets68:
If a shirt in a different language that reads "We will not be silent" offends you, grow the fuck up.

I'd love to start my own web design business, but the problem with that lies in the fact I'd need a full time job until it got off the floor, then I would need to maintain a part-time job to just pay my rent.

@friendlynerd: They need to force young kids on airliners to wear that shirt. Truth in advertising.

@Oranges w/ Cheese: No you don't. If you know web design, go find one client. You can easily do one client in evenings and on weekends. Then find two clients. Then find three clients. Then find four clients. Then quit your job while you find clients number five, six, seven, and eight. This is exactly what I did and eight years later I turn away clients.

@Mr.DuckSauce: People who can't tell a joke for a joke need to be sterilized.

Some words of caution with the above advice.

If you're mulling a new product, make sure that you're 100% out of your current job. If not, do not discuss the project with ANYONE during company time (no water-cooler or emails) and never use company facilities (computers, fax, mail supplies, etc.).

I'm all for starting a business (as I did, 12 years ago) but as an employer, I would hate for my employees to be using my facilities to start their own companies. My facilities were bought for with my money and are to help grow my business -- not yours.

I think the recent decision for Mattel and against the Brats creator / company should be caution enough for any entrepreneur.

If you believe in an idea -- go for it. If it's a good idea, you'll find a way to make it work.

A half-funded idea is not a business, it's a hobby.

I've been self-employed and putting food on my family since a layoff 8 years ago. I wish Mr Vuturo all the best but note that neither of his websites are operational yet. Making websites is easy - the hard part is generating traffic and revenues.

I did the same thing. I was actually bored to death at my job. But it was high paying, so I didn't quit. Finally, when the mortgage market collapsed, I was laid off. I got 2 part-time jobs from 5pm to 11pm to cover my fixed expenses. During the day, I started my own business buying distressed property from those that are going belly up, fixing up the property and selling it or renting it out depending on the better deal. So, in reality, the mortgage meltdown has benefited me, getting away from the boring job with golden handcuffs because the high pay would force me to leave.

The oil and tech bust of the late 80's early 90's plus the layoffs that it generated is what lead in large part to the dot com era and boom. Just think of what innovation will come from this current recession.

MrsLopsided - it looks like www.floridalacrosse.com is up and fully operational. Even comes up number one organically in google...must be doing okay for being around for five years as the website claims. I commend the entrepreneurial spirt mr. vuturo has and encourage him to follow internet businesses- they are great business models to be a part of.