Why midlife makes for a great time for new start up.
Today I want to talk about something that’s close to my heart – starting a new chapter in our lives as we step into our forties, fifties, or beyond. Whether you’re thinking about leaving the 9-to-5 grind, yearning for something more fulfilling, or simply wanting to add a new twist to your career path, I’m here to tell you: it’s never too late.
First things first, let’s address the elephant in the room – age. Yes, change can be daunting, especially as we grow older, but age is actually your biggest asset! Think about it – you’ve got years of life experience, skills honed over decades, and a kind of wisdom that only comes with time. These are invaluable in the world of business.
My wake up call came when my kids started making plans for when they leave school. My son was 17 but my twin girls were just 14 and already planning 4 years ahead! I was so focused in bringing up my family that I hadn’t really thought about what I would do when they left. To be honest, I panicked. I was dreading them leaving and living with that horrible empty nest syndrome.
I found myself at a crossroads. My corporate days in London felt like a distant memory that I had no desire to return to, and my last 14 years as a social media consultant had been fulfilling, but I craved more. Before kids, my husband and I had often talked about living and working abroad (this is before we had even heard of ‘digital nomads’) – perhaps we could do that when the children fly the nest? Plus, I really didn’t want to wait until I retire to see the world. Why risk waiting with the increasing risk your health might deteriorate by then? Life is short and all that…
That’s when I stumbled upon Launch You, and everything changed.
Taking the Leap
Starting with Launch You and then branching out into other online ventures to create passive income streams wasn’t a quick journey (it is NOT a get rich quick scheme), but it was exhilarating. And let me tell you – the excitement of building something that is entirely yours that could fund your future fun is intoxicating. But how did I move past the fear of failure? It was all about embracing the challenge and understanding that the fear of starting something new is perfectly normal. What did I have to loose?
A lack of transferable skills can often feel like a barrier, but with resources like Launch You, I learned to bridge that gap. Re-skilling isn’t just about attending workshops, watching videos or reading articles – it’s about transforming your outlook and adapting your existing knowledge to new possibilities.
What the Research Says:
Starting a new career is daunting at any age but can seem even scarier when you creep over 40 or 50. The good news however, is that your chances for entrepreneurial success get higher with each passing year!
According to research, including studies from MIT and the U.S. Census Bureau, the average age of a successful start up founder is around 42. The idea that innovation is purely a young person’s game is simply not true. Experience counts, and mid-life entrepreneurs are proof of that. Vera Wang didn’t design her first dress until she was 40, and look at her now!
Armed with years of experience, better financial know-how, sharpened competitive skills and a network of connections, women in their 40s, 50s and 60s are far more prepared to launch a business later in life.
“Ageing is not lost youth, but a new stage of opportunity and strength.”
Betty Friedan
Why You Should Consider It
If you’re sitting there thinking, “Can I really do this?”, I’m here to say, “Yes, you can!” You’re not just building a business; you’re creating your future freedom. Whether it’s the freedom to travel, the joy of being financially independent, or the thrill of finally pursuing your passions – starting your own business can offer all of that and more.
Imagine having your own business that can make money 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for 365 days of the year! What would you do with your newfound freedom?
For me it will be travel – I plan to explore the world, experience different cultures, perhaps find somewhere to settle in a warmer climate. I also want to be able to help my children financially as they begin further education or give them a leg up in buying their first home – not to mention start saving properly for my own pension!
Your Next Steps
So, what can you do next? You do not have to quit your day job just yet. You can do the Launch You programme alongside your current job as I did.
- Reflect on what you truly enjoy: Your passion is something that energises you. Make a list of everything that would make you leap out of bed in the morning with excitement.
- Write down everything you love and hate about your current job. Could you turn your passion and experience into opportunity?
- Do the FREE training. While most online courses teach theory of online business and often lack substance, Launch You offers a holistic approach that goes far beyond yet another ‘how-to’ training to ensure you achieve personal and financial transformation.
If you ever feel overwhelmed, remember, I started my journey feeling unsure, but with each little success, my confidence grew. Yours can too. The world of online business is vast and often forgiving; it allows you to grow at your own pace and on your own terms.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. What excites you the most about starting a new venture? What fears do you have? Let me know in the comments below.
Thanks for reading, and remember, it’s never too late to create a life you love. Let’s make it happen!
Sarah x
