Starting your own business, especially while in need of stable income, is I think challenging. Freelancing especially I would not suggest in your case. Sometimes you may make good income but sometimes you might just sit in front of your screen with a lot of frustration. If you have a large customer portfolio, good network and relationships, and you believe that will help to bring you business constantly go for it. But if you are planning to start a business then see where it goes, I would say, stop and think about it again. With starting a new business doesn't only bring income, also brings taxes, additional expenses etc. Most startups doesn't make any profit first 2-3 years. They don't even pay themselves to grow business to certain level that income covers expenses. My naive suggestion is try to get a stable job before even thinking about a startup. Then organize your budget and try to put aside some money each paycheck to secure yourself and kiddos for at least 6 months. Then while working start your business as a side job to get to a point that becomes full time job for you and covers its own expenses.