For most of his adult life Jack Yampolsky has been a numbers guy, but his life took a different turn when he started writing, and at the age of 81 he published his first book, a novel called Boardwalk Story.
Anyone who needs to be convinced that being an entrepreneur after 50 is a pipe dream, read this article and you may find yourself imagining the logo for your new business.The entrepreneurial path is alluring for boomers with newfound free time and either financial freedom or financial insecurity on their hands. As one boomer business woman put it, "If we do this right, we could be entering ...a "golden age" of entrepreneurship, where smart, educated people embrace business ownership partly out of necessity, partly fueled by their dreams, and partly to grab control of their lives."
Entrepreneurs whose businesses can jump start the economy have become the darlings of foundations, MBA programs, and the government. Savvy and smart kids are being encouraged to work for themselves, but new research indicates that older entrepreneurs are really the group to be pursued to create successful start-ups. Contrary to conventional wisdom, entrepreneurship is increasingly a priority of older workers—even in the youth-obsessed technology sector. To learn the reasons for the elders' success, click here.
Have you always wanted to be your own boss? If so, join the more than five million Americans age 55 or older who run their own businesses or are otherwise self-employed. According to the Small Business Administration, the number of self-employed 55 to 64-year-olds is soaring, climbing 52 percent from 2000 to 2007. Check out the Small Business Administration website that offers advice and expertise for older adults ready to "leverage experience, passions, hobbies and resources to launch or purchase a small business.”
Starting a business is difficult at any age. While those planning to retire soon need to be particularly careful with their finances, Boomers' accumulated expertise and experience is a real asset in being successful. When an entrepreneur knows something about the industry, they are better able to leverage that knowledge and move towards their goal.
