Even in our good economy, you have to keep marketing yourself. Things can head south fast, and if you don't have plenty of customers to fall back on, you won't be able to sustain your business. Pricing is also difficult for soloists, especially those who are starting out and can't pinpoint the value of their experience and expertise. Finally, self-management can be tough.
Many soloists have problems keeping a schedule and setting priorities.
Separating work and home life requires a lot of self-discipline. We know of one man who puts on a suit in the morning, walks out his back door, around his house, and back into his front door. Then he starts working. That's how he prepares himself. But most people find the hardest discipline is stopping work.