Is a work-from-home business for you?

If working from home is something you've been thinking about, you're not alone.

According to a recent poll, more than 7 in 10 American households are thinking about starting a home-based business.

Chances are, the figures are pretty similar all over the world.

Why do people start a home-based business?

For some, it represents the best of both worlds: bringing in an income while being available for the family.

For others, it's the perfect way to explore a side business while keeping the day job, until you get to the stage where you can dump the day job, fire your boss and stay home.

Whatever your motivation, know that a home-based business is not for everyone.

You have to have a pretty accurate idea of yourself, what you're capable of, where your areas of weakness are, to know if a home-based business would suit you.

Some people need to be around others. For them, the strain of isolation that comes with staying home may just not be worth it.

Some people need to be accountable to an authority figure, or they lapse into ill-discipline and unproductive work habits.

If you think working from home is something you want to explore, these stories of those who've successfully made the transition may inspire you to have a go yourself.