Odds of Hanging On
The odds of hanging on are good for those who take a serious approach to their apprenticeship and follow safety codes. For those going the self-employment route, it's important to market your company to customers. Marketing ideas you may want to consider: creating a website, handing out flyers, taking out an advertisement, and making connections in the construction world (try to get an invite to some of those fancy, black-tie construction soirees, where you can really get your name out there).
Those with their own company must also have people skills. Not all clients will be easy to deal with. People lose their patience when they lose their electricity. However, maintaining a professional demeanor will help your company succeed. Don't worry—you can totally lose it and act like a child once you get home.