Laid Off At 50?
February 18, 2010 – 3:14 pmThe December Issue of the AARP Bulletin contains an article about individuals who were laid off from their jobs after the age of 50. Some were 60 and older. It tells the story about how the individuals started their own enterprises and found satisfaction in them.
The article also reported that 15 percent of workers ages 50-64 are self-employed and that 25 percent are 65 or older. Are you in this age category and out of work? Do you still feel you have the knowledge, skills and vitality to be a contributing member of the workforce? I’m sure you do. Why not consider starting your own business. It doesn’t have to be large. Maybe just you.
Where do you start? Well how about a hobby you’ve enjoyed. Can you turn it into a paying enterprise? Or can you take your business skills from your previous employer or employers and turn that into a business enterprise? Not sure how to do it? There are many organizations out their that can help gain the knowledge you need to get started.
There are Small Business Development Centers around the country with excellent counselors that can help you. The organization SCORE can also help. The latter two organizations are sponsered by the US Government and are free. There is this web site which offersfree information and you can also go to our LINKS button and you’ll find a “link” to many more sites.
You may be laid off and Over 50 but you can start a successful business venture and find great staisfaction in doing so. The opportunity is not without risk certainly, but you have a lot of help out there. Take advantage of it and good luck.
