So as many of you know (through other posts) I am currently with two agencies and would like to leave both come September.

I am just finding so frustrating, I can't seem to find any private clients in my area that are willing to pay my fee of $35/day. There are a few other daycare's in in area who charge between $30 and $45. My building seems to be surrounded by community living buildings, projects, and rent to income homes. Every one I meet either wants to pay me a lot less (not going to happen) or they need subsidy. I am finding that this is really starting to get to me. I really want my business to truly be my business, but as long as I am with an agency this will not happen.

Last Friday I had an interview. The family was great and they wanted the spot. I was happy and said sure, they seem like a good fit. The need subsidy, not a problem, so i thought. I emailed my adviser who returned the email on Monday saying : "That's great that you found a family. I have put them on our waiting list as we have a subsidy freeze on at the moment. We are HOPING that it only last a few weeks" WHAT, they need to start NOW. How am I to run a business when I can't even take on the clients that I find? This is so frustrating and is really getting to me. A subsidy freeze can last a few weeks to several months. A few years a go they had a freeze that was suppose to last just for the summer (July and August) but end up lasting until Jan.

The agencies age restrictions are killing me. It makes it so hard to get clients. I can only take on 3 kids under the age of 6, since my two are under the age of 6. This means I have no chose but to take on 2 B&A kids 6yrs to 10yrs. I really don't want school aged kids.

I know that once I find a private client I will feel a lot better. I just can't seem to find any right now. I have been open since last October. I have a website, I advertise everywhere I can, around the neighborhood, on Kijiji, here etc. I go to the connection meeting monthly.

I just don't know what else to do to get away from they agencies and finally be allowed to fully run my business my way. We do plan on moving in the next year or two, but have to save up first.

I am starting to feel like a failure as a business women. I know I just need to give it more time and everything will work out in time. But I just want to feel like a true business woman and not an "employee" trapped following the agency rules.

I do feel a little better now that I have vented.