[synchromesh]

I'm with you for (a) and (b). The other thing I've found working as a consultant (well, an "off-site contractor" anyway) is that the freedom from "office hours" means I can structure my working day around time with my young kids (i.e. three meals with them and then working on into the evening) and still get lots of work done.

Of course this could just be due to my current project being particularly favourable, hence my interest in start-up ideas to try once it ends...