Remember the Magic 8 Ball that was a popular toy when we were kids? You asked a question, then shook the ball. Then you turned it over to see the answer, which ranged from positive to bleak.

"Am I going to marry Fred?" Definitely.

"Will I learn to play the piano?" Outlook not so good.

"Should I start my own home business?" Maybe.

Although you can go to an online Magic 8 Ball site, type in a question and get a random answer, I wouldn't recommend it for major life decisions like starting a business.

It comes down to careful and thoughtful planning, examining and dreaming to make this decision. And it's not one anyone can make for you, though you should seek input from those in your life who will be affected.

Do I have enough money to start a business?
You don't have to have thousands of dollars to start a home business. Some people do, but depending on the business, you can start one for less than $500. You can start some home-based businesses with resources you already have at home, such as an internet connection and a home office.

Lauri Meizler, CEO and founder of Drink Joos, started her nutritional consulting and organic juice company with less than $300. Her brother created her website and, as a single mom, she carefully budgeted for necessary items. Now in its second year, Meizler's company grows every month.

Can I work two jobs?
Will you work full-time and begin a new company on the side, or will you work part-time and operate the new home business on the side? Or some other combination?

Laureen Wishom, owner of Masterpiece Solutions, a career and business coaching company, knows how hard that can be. "While working full-time, I started my coaching and consulting practice. I joined that elite group of people who give 40-plus hours to their employer and another 20-plus to building their business. I knew that all I needed was a small, long-term client base and nine months' worth of living expenses before I could walk away from my job and toward my dream of business ownership."

It took less than six months of an admittedly draining lifestyle before she could quit her day job. "It was hard, but I knew it was going to be hard. I took good care of myself and asked for help from those around me. Because I knew it was only going to be for a short time, I was willing to sacrifice to get to my end goal."

Can I handle letting things be imperfect?
Starting a home business requires a commitment to let go of perfection in both your personal and professional life. As with any new endeavor, you will fail in some aspects. You have to, or you won't learn. You will fall short in your personal life as well. The only way to start a new home business is with the understanding that it will likely be chaotic, hectic, messy and, at times, overwhelming.

Family members may have to chip in more, dinners may be more takeout than gourmet, and you may have to give up Facebook or other hobbies you enjoy. Learning to live with imperfect solutions helps you and those around you become more resilient and independent.

What's keeping me from making the leap?
It may not be the right time to start a home business. You might want to wait until your little ones are older or you finish a substantial project at work. You might decide you aren't a self-starter and wouldn't enjoy the pressures of marketing or record-keeping.

There are legitimate reasons that starting a home business might not be for you. But one reason shouldn't hold you back: Fear. You have to adopt the mind-set of Thomas Edison, who said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." You get back up, learn from your mistakes and give it all you have until you find the recipe that equals success for you.