I'm 37 now and started 2 years ago, having been made redundant for the 3rd time! Decided to do a course and become my own boss, rather than always relying on my income being in somebody else's hands. Quickly picked up work since starting out, but started with small jobs, took my time to do a good job and built up a good reputation already. Most of my work now is recommendation and also starting to get an awful lot of repeat business now I've been going a little while, which is always good.
Its not for everyone. Is hard work physically and mentally at times and when you are starting out, its stressful also. I'd never go back to an employed roll though and I only work on private domestic properties also.
There is so much work out there, I could work 7 days a week, every week if I wanted to. I dont want to, so enjoy doing 9am til 3.30pm most days. Drop kids off at school etc and have the time to do the things in life which matter to me without someone breathing down my neck (other than the Mrs of course)!!