The popularity of shows like "Shark Tank" and "The Profit," along with the elevation of some CEOs to celebrity status, has given millions of Americans the entrepreneurial bug. This, coupled with lower barriers to entry, has allowed 53 million American workers to become independent — about 34 percent of the total workforce, with some predicting the number will grow to to 50 percent by 2020.

So how do you know if it's your time to take the leap into the new frontier of this "independent" class?

1. You feel stuck

You've hit a wall and are no longer fulfilled by your job. You've grown tired of the politics and feel drained at work. You've tried suggesting new ways of doing things and your ideas are being ignored.

You realize you cannot go on one more year in what feels like a stifling environment.

2. You have good ideas

You're constantly thinking of new ideas and improvement on existing concepts. You want your voice to be heard but are running into roadblocks at your existing company. You find that outside of work you are constantly innovating and creating new opportunities for yourself.

Wouldn't it be great to align your work with these great ideas?

3. You don't fit in

You would rather blaze your own trail than follow the herd. You feel awkward at company parties and are frustrated when you hear the company is spending thousands of dollars to fly in yet another consultant to "fix" the business.

You feel employees should have been consulted if the company is changing direction, but you are unhappy to find out your peers do not question it.

4. You are determined

You are the person who ran the marathon even though your friends said you were crazy. You don't let anything stand in your way. You believe a "no" puts you one step closer to a yes.

The more you start to hear how "crazy" it seems to do something new, the more you're encouraged not to live by the book and start planning the steps you need to achieve your goals.

5. You want to control your time

Maybe you're most productive from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m., or perhaps you're a night owl. Maybe you want to be at your daughter's soccer practice at 3 p.m. or your son's acting classes at 4 p.m. No one knows how to manage your time better than you.

Instead of being told when to work and when to take breaks or a vacation, you could finally determine your schedule. And not only does that sound like a relief, it sounds exciting.

6. You're a born leader

Having a great idea is one thing. Being able to communicate that idea and convince others to jump on board is another.

If you have the leadership skills to round up the troops and motivate them, consider starting your own venture. If you're strongly interested in learning news skills and help others do the same, go for it.

7. You want to leave a legacy

You aspire to live a bigger life, to make an impact, to make your presence known. It is no longer enough for you to be the best and most productive at the jobs you are assigned.

As they say, if you're not building your own dream, you're building someone else's.