IT is a tough field, definitely. In spite of Ben's degree, we concluded the market in our area is so saturated it would be very difficult to break into the network security business unless we could start out with at least one good contract, say with a small real estate business - an office big enough to have multiple computers but too small for a full-time IT employee.

Do you know anyone who might be able to get you in just for a discussion in an office like this? Sitting down for lunch and a good talk would allow you to scope out potential markets and learn if this is a viable option. It also might highlight some potential issue or market you haven't thought of yet that you could pursue. Offices like a good-sized auto repair shop, small construction company, or insurance sales company would probably be this type of environment. Do you know anyone who works for any of these kinds of companies?