How to take a "Leap of Faith" pursuing a career as a freelancer?

Hi - I have a few comments based on one of my best buddies, and how she took the leap successfully. First, like Nancy, she started pulling freelance jobs while working full time. Second, she got a big repeat client! It's all well and good to get a branding job, a catalog design, a web design, but then when that project is over, you don't know if or when you'll work for that client again. She got a publication that runs 4x a year – guaranteed repeat work. That was the point where she "quit her day job". As far as getting new work, she told me she literally NEVER got a job from any type of self-marketing she did. It was ALL word of mouth. And last, she constantly attends classes, forums and graphics seminars at a well known local source for job training, to the point that she knows the staff there well and they've referred clients to her. Now I'm going to point out, that while her hours and lifestyle are super flexible, she works ALL the time. Never off duty. Working from the hotel room on vacation. Getting in a little work on Christmas morning. etc! So think carefully about your future life! You have to be good time manager and advocate on your own behalf for time off! Good luck!