Small Business Boomers

Baby Boomers - 5 Ways You Can Use Your Experience in a New Career

by Jean on September 15th, 2008

Today is Theme Day on B5media’s Business Channel and the the is “Experience - Does it matter?”  Well, of course it does, and Baby Boomers are the most experienced people in the business world today.  In my post earlier today, I suggested you get out there and find ne, interesting, challenging ways to  use your experience.  Here are some suggestions:

1.  Write about it.  Many boomers are writing books describing their experiences in business.  Or write an e-book and sell it online.  Or write that “Great American Novel” like Stephen King.

2.  Volunteer.  Use your experience to help others.  Join the Peace Corps, volunteer with SCORE or ACCION International or one of the thousands of great organizations that need your experience.

3.  Start a Business.  After having worked for many years in a large company, I can tell you first-hand how much fun it is to start your own business.  I was tired of having to go through a committee to get anything done, when I knew from experience the best way to do it.  Starting your own business can give you the mental challenge you need, but be prepared for hard work!  If you need help figuring out what to start, look into your experience and interests, and get going.

4.  Consult.  Many companies need consultants, and your experience can pay off big-time as a well-paid consultant.  Many companies re-hire former employees as consultants, paying you better than you made as a full-time person.  Or go to your company’s competitors and offer to share your experiences (be careful not to violate any non-competes or copyrights.)

5.  Work part-time for a company.  My husband retired in July, is getting a pension, and he is working part-time with a small company.  He is using his experience to help them, and he’s getting additional money.  The big benefit to this kind of work is the flexibility - we can take off on trips when we want to.

6.  (I thought of another one) Work for your family. Sometimes this is tricky, but you could work as an employee in a business your children are running.  Or let them take over your business and work part-time as a consultant.

There are probably a thousand ways you can use your experience in a second career or volunteer work.  What appeals to you?

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POSTED IN: Boomer Volunteer Opportunities, Boomers helping others, Boomers in Family Businesses, Boomers nearing retirement, Business Plan