[theprop]

I'd look for a partner. It's very hard to be a solo founder and it sounds like you're not sure of an idea/market, etc. I'd also start keeping a list of problems you face/solutions i.e. ideas for a possible product to build. It's very, very hard to build a business. If you're not sure, don't have a partner or idea, I wouldn't recommend you get into it just yet. I'd recommend you look for a company you're really interested in and get to know a market, how their business runs, etc. You may meet other potential partners there (co-workers) and you'll get to know a business niche, etc. So I'd recommend 1. for now. Also, differentiate when you start between a business and a project: a business really has revenues/a model to grow quickly while a project is something you build more for fun that may or not generate revenues or go somewhere. Projects can become the biggest businesses (google, facebook were started as projects), but you don't necessarily want to bet your savings on that initially. Just some random thoughts...hope they're helpful, good luck and congrats on the previous 11 years of dedicated, rewarding work it sounds like, nice!!!!!