Good points about compared to owning your own business... but headphones? Who needs them, the guy in the next cubicle isn't going to say a word! I also forgot: you pick and choose WHAT you want to do. I think that's huge for a lot of people.
The only way I make that kind of money is through Amazon Requester Inc. classification hits. I also turk compulsively looking for good hits. This week has been terrible for me because the amazon hits are winding down getting ready for their next classification groups. If you want to make 30 to 50 a day, your best bet is to do as many "good hits" as possible when they become available. Unfortunately, mturk is a very unreliable source of income unless you can handle the monotony of some of these tasks. Even then, the pay isn't great. When you first start out, you won't make much. Give yourself some time and sign up for services like Turkopticon and Turkalert. Once you build an "arsenal" of trusted requesters, your income will go up. I set a goal of 10 dollars a day when I first started. Now I am up to 30. Just give it more time before you decide it's not worth it.
I think the key strategy is to get your numbers up first, and this can take time. Many more hits open up after you hit 1k approved.. keep your approval rating up also.. Personally I prefer to do batch hits no matter how boring they can be. But as another requester stated you have to find what you are good at and what you like. Take all the qualififcation tests you can, it will pay off. This is my only source of income right now so I am on 24/7 It will take time though to get the hang of it and when you do you will know if it worth it.
well from what i have read it seems i need to get my numbers up. so i will keep my stats posted along with what tasks i have completed. Others may be wondering the same, so i am just gonna put this to a test and record my experience. thank you all for the helpful tips.