However, we’ve also had a small handful of positive stories as a result of the situation, of people finding themselves out of work and in a position where they simply must find a way to meet their financial obligations. These people have poured their efforts toward building their own income, becoming self-employed, and have succeeded. This got me wondering, and researching, whether there is a correlation between rises in unemployment levels coinciding with rises in self-employment levels.

Just how many people need the motivation of having lost their job and being unable to quickly find an alternate, before they seek out their own path?

Are there any well-known names, brands, or products that we have in our lives now owing to an entrepreneurial mind being made redundant at work, rather than making their own decision to go it on their own?

Between 2006 and 2007, there was a 4.5% growth in Non-Employer businesses (Link) - and I, for one, will be very interested in seeing these statistics for 2007 to 2008 and 2008 to 2009, though sadly the official numbers won’t be available until June 2010.

I’d like to feel that some good can come of these negative times, and that we are seeing the beginning of a resurgence with people no longer held back from realizing their dreams by a fear of failure – and I don’t think I’m alone.

Do you have a story to share about your success following unemployment? Let us know!