When you're having trouble finding a job or you are stuck in a job that doesn't measure up to your skills, it can be very depressing. You can either keep on plugging away with the goal of eventually retiring and getting away from it or you can make a life change and try out self employment. Only the hardest workers can manage being self employed, so if you're not sure if you can hack it, these e-books should give you an idea of what to expect.

Secrets of Self Employment

This book by Sarah and Paul Edwards focuses on how to adapt to the up and down life of being your own boss. They offer practical advice on how to find startup loans, how to get real estate to house your business, and how to overcome the inevitable setbacks and letdowns of owning your own business. This book is not a comprehensive guide on how to run a business, rather, a primer for adapting to the kind of life you will be living. Ebook copies start at around $6.95.

Making a Living Without a Job

This book by Barbara Winter is all about how to get by on doing what you love. As a business expert, she has helpful advice on how to launch your small business and make it work for you, whether you're going to be selling Toronto condos or babysitting kids. She also has tips on how to find your niche, how to use the internet to market yourself, how to focus on being creative rather than clinical, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Ebook costs $10 - $15 depending on the format.

The E-Myth Revisited

This book by Michael Gerber focuses on the unfortunate fact that most small businesses fail and gives advice on how to avoid failure when you open your company. It will teach you which of your assumptions will get you into trouble, and what myths surround small business startups. If you want to learn how to start and grow a healthy business, this book covers all the bases without giving you empty promises of success. Costs $13- $20.

The Small Business Startup Workbook

Once you've topped up on good advice, it's time to start making your plans. This step by step guide by Cheryl Rickman will help. It doesn't just provide you with advice and helpful case studies - it also features activities, worksheets, and checklists that will help you plan your business. It collects the stories of many successful business owners so you can learn from their successes and failures and guides you through all the steps from financing to franchising. Costs about $8 on the Kindle.