I'm 26, married with a mortgage, car payment, student loans, etc. The economy isn't going to stop me - my wife is willing to sell our house at the drop of a hat if we have to, move to another city if we have to, etc. You sacrifice short term for the long term gain, and if you're married to someone that supports you, they ride the roller coaster with you.

I wouldn't go that far. Startups and freelancing in general present definite opportunities and advantages. But the risks need to be aired out more. Mental preparation makes success more likely.

I'm 39, married, have a 7yo daughter, but luckily no mortgage. But I have $425 on a savings account to balance off having no mortgage :-) And I'm throat deep in a startup for 2 years already, it's just a beginning.