Comments on: Independent work: Not a young person’s game?

By: mjcranmore

mjcranmore — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:56:23 +0000

Reblogged this on MJTVGirl's Constant Client Stream Guide and commented: Many of the people I work with are veterans of the corporate world. They have just realized "something is missing" and they aren't really sure what it is. Most of them have decided to go off on their own -- and there's a good dose of "am I doing the right thing?" that goes along with that decision. Check out this great article by GigaOm. I think you'll get the picture.

By: Amy Grossman

Amy Grossman — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 18:41:58 +0000

Many boomers have a good professional network, This gives them a headstart in creating a solo business. They also often have confidence in their skills because of years of experience in their field. The chalenge can be in putting on a business hat and focusing on building a business, which can take up as much time as working on their specialty. The upside to this is that learning new skills is good for health and well beng. That’s an added bonus to the freedom, flexibility and satisfaction that boomers find when working for themselves.

By: Ana

Ana — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:49:23 +0000

And Megan, to follow on what Ann is saying, Boomers also have humongous credit card bills. Most of us probably don’t have student loans anymore (it took me 13 years to pay mine off — on modest income that entire time), but we have other debt as well as responsibilities you haven’t tackled yet. Many of us feel like we’re still paying our dues, and we already have! Now it’s your turn.

By: Candace Nicholson

Candace Nicholson — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 18:11:33 +0000

I would argue, Prescott, that Boomers are just as much in harms way when looking for work as new grads and Gen-Yers because many companies opt to hire younger, fresh-out-of-college workers because they’re essentially cheaper.

New grads aren’t used to make any decent money yet, and most don’t have families to support, so corporations (and even smaller businesses) will hire a young member of the workforce over their older counterparts in order to save money.

I say Boomers are turning more and more to freelance/contract work because age discrimination and salary caps may leave them little choice.

By: Ann

Ann — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:01:44 +0000

Prescott: You are right about solopreneurship not being for everyone. However, you have overlooked the fact that many Boomers have gone solo because companies do not want to pay their high salaries, nor their anticipated higher medical expenses. They want younger, more Internet savvy (they think) people who may earn less, and who are healthier, and who will not retire in 5 years. It’s a synical world out there. But you are right about being prepared and knowing who you are and what is a good fit for you. Cheers!

By: Ann

Ann — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:56:30 +0000

Megan:
Boomers are, in some cases still paying for their kids’ college educations, plus, many of them have moved back home (my friend has BOTH his adult sons living at home). They also may have medical expenses that younger people don’t have. So don’t be so smug.

By: Luke W

Luke W — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 20:58:29 +0000

It’s certainly an interesting time for young millenials, often leaving years of education to find not a soul taught them the basic self branding tools necessary merely to establish themselves amongst their peers, never-mind standout. The implications of less employees working regular hours at a regular office have huge implications for the commuting infrastructure, city center business relying on lunchtime trade etc etc. If truly continued and not merely a kickback from reduced employment opportunities thanks to this great recession, the social shift will be a big one. Exciting uncertainty.

By: Steve King

Steve King — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 20:14:36 +0000

Great comment on the difficult work world young people are facing. It’s really hard to go on your own when you have little or no experience.

Another factor is the “try out” job market. More and more companies are hiring workers as contingents to try them out prior to making a full time job offer. For younger workers, this may be their own way into a traditional job.

By: Thorsten Koster

Thorsten Koster — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:10:47 +0000

I firmly believe that once you are in your fifties, you are better off working independently. I’ve made this decision a couple of years ago and I couldn’t be happier about it today.

By: Aassia Haq

Aassia Haq — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 17:32:21 +0000

Great comment Prescott. And great article Jessica. Thanks for highlighting MBO’s research. Prescott, we agree that independence suits specific personalities. In fact, we created a simple indicator quiz called “Are you ready to go solo” that can help people assess suitability. It’s here and would welcome your comments on it! http://info.mbopartners.com/are-you-ready-to-go-solo-quiz.html