Since this is a really wide open forum. Maybe sit down and make a list of things you enjoy doing and try and stay within that scope so at least if it's a tough start, it will be something you enjoy.
Then look at the things you are really good at, whether it's being super keen on detail, chatting with anyone and everyone or staying independently focused.
I did the small business thing, and I was successful enough for a decent living, but I hadn't grown the business enough to really get the payday and I don't think I will ever have that energy.
If you want to get into a venture with me, I am starting an online business. I don't really know where it's going to take me yet, except that I want it to be the difference between livin' and livin' large! mobileappsineed.com is the name of the website, I have no business model, not a lot of direction and minimal concept but I will make it work somehow.
I do have a drive to make it successful, I know it's in an area/industry that I enjoy, I am knowledgeable beyond your everyday guy and it's a hot market. Mobile Apps are right in the name for crying out lout, I figure how can I not be successful.
On the flipside, In the past I've run an independent glass installation business for 4years, and I hear your pain. For me it was work my but off and miss out on all the great summer activities so I could be retired in the winter which to me made no sense at all. I'm certain there were a couple of opportunities to make this business bigger than I imagined, but I just didn't have the drive for what I was doing. Before starting the business I apprenticed for a cpl of years with a local glass company until I knew enough of the skill to make myself some $$.
The difference between the 2 ventures is this, my last venture I approached knowing it was a trade people needed, everyone has broken glass right? This new venture is based on this principle, it's not what a person needs, but what they "want". Trending as bubba mentioned.
I look forward to some other responses in this thread.