Do you have what it takes to run a business?

By Steve Strauss for USA TODAY Q: Steve I just want to give a word of warning to other would-be entrepreneurs. It’s not for everybody! I went into business with a partner last year. The business is fine, but I am not. I hate the long hours and the uncertainty. I also make less money. Don’t do it! Dave A: I agree that owning a business is not for everyone.

Here is my handy dandy quick quiz that will help anyone decide whether or not they are an entrepreneur: Does the thought of leaving your current job make you more scared or excited? If the idea of leaving your nice corporate gig, with its attendant benefits and perks, not to mention that nice, regular paycheck, makes you more nervous than excited, then starting a small business is probably not for you.

However, if giving up all of that makes you happy because that means that you will finally be going off on your own, then you, sir (or ma’am!) are probably an entrepreneur. Of course the idea of starting your own business and being your own boss sounds great in theory . Who wouldn’t want to chuck the rat race and start over again doing something they love? Yes indeedy, starting your own business is part of the American Dream; there is undoubtedly a certain romantic notion to the whole thing.

But, like anyone who has been married a long time knows, that first blush of passionate romance fades and transforms, if you are fortunate, into something deeper and more meaningful; it’s a different type of love. And so it is with your business. If you start your own gig, you will be married to it. And, just like with any marriage, some are great and last a long time because they are a good fit.