What does it feel like to be the CEO of a start-up?

I've always wanted to start my own business...be the CEO...work towards my passion. But within the last year I've begun to question whether or not I'm really ready for the commitment.

I've worked at one startup and we ended up getting acquired by a big tech company that recently IPO'd...I've seen firsthand how much work really goes into building a successful business, and the more I think about leaving and founding my own company, the more I am unsure if that's what I really want. The commitment is just so huge and I know it's going to require every waking hour of my time. I guess I'm just scared to give up my comfortable pace of life right now. Does anyone else around here have similar feelings?

As a founder of a self funded start-up this piece felt a bit like ESP.