The filter has a maximum of 1000 characters, so I have to reply in 2 posts.
I worked as a network engineer for many years. One of the points I had in my favor was flexibility. Employers liked that I was willing and able to go in and work on their servers at 3am. Other systems engineers refused, then wondered why I got promoted ahead of them.

Most colleges offer classes at different times so students that are working can still get their classes. Also, many colleges are now going to a CBT model. As many homeschool students have had to use computer based training at one time or another, this actually gives them an advantage. Many of the curricula homeschool students use on a daily basis are completely CBT. Rosetta Stone and Switched on Schoolhouse are prime examples of that.

As far as the discipline, after witnessing their behaviour, I think I can safely say there are many more public school students in need of discipline than homeschool students.

I went to a private Christian school for several years and then I was homeschooled for three - middle school aged. When the private school became too expensive, my parents decided to homeschool. I continued to use the same curriculum as the private school, so the transition was easy. We participated in a local 'home school group' where the homeschoolers would meet once a week for group learning. If one parent was fluent in a foreign language, they would teach the other children, etc. It encouraged socialization in a controlled environment. When entering the public high school, teachers actually asked if I could read. I wouldn't change my educational experiences. I went on to go to a four year college where I obtained my bachelor's degree in Social and Behavioral Studies. I plan on homeschooling, finances permitted, when my son reaches school age. When making your decisions, don't just assume, talk to people that have participated. And remember, not all experiences are the same.

I was homeschooled all but two years I can safely say it is not the way to go. Wake up people, "peer pressure, competition, boredom, and bullies" are all part of the real world. It's very important for kids to experience this. While these things may be considered cons of public school, you also get one major pro which is of course socialization. At the age of 20 I find myself socially awkward around girls I'm attracted to and sometimes socially inept. "Closer Family Relationships" is a lie. I ended up running away from home a year ago and just recently started feeling "close" to my family. Religious freedom? Please. Is any religion confined within the family free at all? I was raised christian protestant; while I am thankful for this theology it creates an image of the whole world (or most of it) believing in God. If you're afraid your kid is weak enough so that he or she believes to refute God (or whatever religion you teach them) for another religion, maybe their faith wasn't so strong to begin with. I could continue with the real "cons" of homeschooling but I'll stop there. Please, if you feel you MUST homeschool your kids only do it through elementary.

Please don't forget the need for SOCIALIZATION outside of the family setting that children need to develop interpersonal skills. Also, children used to having such flexible schedules may have significant difficulty adjusting to college or work schedules. Believe me, professors and employers aren't too concerned about the "devastating effects" of early classes or getting to work early. Also, some children are in need of more structure and discipline than some parents are ready or able to provide. I think homeschooling can work in certain situations, but don't make the decision lightly.