When it comes to self-employment, people over age 50 are more likely than younger workers to take the plunge. Many of them also are diving into entrepreneurship for the first time, according to a study by AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons).The AARP study shows that 16% of those over age 50 are self-employed, compared to 10% of the general work force. About a third of the self-employed seniors also are first-time entrepreneurs who had previously always worked for others.
C. Morris on November 13th, 2005 at 6:32 pm
I totally agree with starting a business that you enjoy and know about. I started my corp. in 1988 as a manufactures rep. for indus. instrumentation. Telecom became very attractive & in 1997 I went to work for large telecom company selling in Austin. As you all know this bus. took a dive but I really rec’d lots of excellent training & enjoyed the business. Got out in 2001 when company filled bankruptcy but hoped to get back in when it got better. Early 2005 I started up Just Telecom, Inc. but the smart thing this time around, my relationship is NOT with a CLEC phone co., my company represents SBC Communications & soon to become AT&T. I’m I lucky with good timing or what! Doing what I love selling with the security of the largest telecommunications company in the world. No secrets, I had some friends inside SBC that wanted to help me reach the right people, I was offered a contractual agreement & I was prepared with 7 years of telecom experience. I hope this was encouraging.
Tom Edge on December 21st, 2005 at 1:50 pm
I recently wrote the book “Over50.Biz - age is no barrier” There are seven factors driving this trend of over 50’s becoming entrepreneurs:
1. Increasing longevity with better health for an increasing segment of the
population
2. People are recognising the need for additional income, especially those
forced into early retirement because of layoffs and buyouts.
3. Pensions are not performing
4. Children are staying at home longer necessitating more income
5. People are looking for intellectual stimulation.
6. Over 50’s want to put their lifetime experience to use
7. The over 50’s really want to be self sufficient
See my website for more info: http://www.Over50.Biz
Compliments of the season from England
Tom Edge