The job market is still rough. The next step in your career might be becoming your own boss.

Darnah Thompson and Bonnie Chiurazzi started their own businesses. Jordan Vonderhaar, Morgan Lieberman for BI Bonnie Chiurazzi did what people usually do after a layoff: process it, apply for jobs, and ask connections about opportunities. When applications weren't leading to a new gig, she decided to try something new. With savings and severance to fall back on, she started her own market research firm, Vibe Insights Lab. "I figured I might as well start my own business because I already kno...