Theresa,

Have you considered the 24/7 nature of the answering service business. People with leaking plumbing or needing their car towed aren't going to wait until the 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. work day to call for emergencies. The same applies to those who all the doctor, hospital, insurance agent, etc.

If you try going it alone, you risk burning out when you have a couple sleepless nights, and have to take calls from people who don't want to be reasonable.

There may be better options for you, such as a home-based customer service position.