Find me a new career....I need a change

[Katymac]

Just asking in case anyone has any brilliant ideas (the way MN often does)

Just under three years ago I started a business

My turnover has doubled each year and it is a very sucessful business and I have won "awards". However I am unlikely to become very rich running it as the over heads are very high

Currently and for about a year the business still needs me but for a decreasing amount of time each month. I anticipate that by April 2007 I will be surplus to requirements - but it will still be providing me with an income to live on.

What do I do then?

I can't make it any bigger (legislative requirements) I don't think I want to go into the next obvious step

So I'm stumped - I have made an appointment to see business link to see if they have any ideas as at a management course it was identified that for me it is the struggle to achieve that is the attraction rather than the attraction (it may not be a coincidence that my dad is a management consultant)

I feel a bit lost and slightly scared that I will not be needed for much longer and kind of proud that it can manage without me - but I'm not cut out to be a lady of leisure.....where do I go from here? Never mind always being able to spend more money

Sell the business for a start, for megabucks if you can, then start a new one do have any particular likes/hobbies you'd like to trade in/work in with?

Can't sell the business (legislation again - I'm a childminder (who employs other childminders) I've got it up & running and these ladies and DH will continue to run it - I'll only be needed to do the accounts and make major decisions)

I really enjoy solving problems and getting things right

I read and cook a bit (but basic stuff really)

So no fantastic ideas then

open a resturant?

franchise your idea to other ares? orset up in other areas?

Thanks Beetroot - not sure I could franchise childminding - but I will discuss it with Business link

My cooking is not really the fashionable sellable sort