You may currently be working or returning to a job that no longer works for you. Perhaps you are worried about redundancy, or have recently been made redundant.
You may be looking for a new job in earnest, but the lack of response and rejection letters are getting you down. If you are over 50, then you are probably getting more rejections than others.
Have you thought about working for yourself?
It really is worth considering, especially if you are in a situation where your only other option is long-term unemployment or low paid work with no prospects. And working at a job you don’t like isn’t only stressful, it is possible you won’t be working there much longer
So, what have you got to lose?
Say you have an idea you think could generate income but are worried about the risks of failure, there is nothing stopping you from applying for jobs (or, if you are working, continuing to work) while developing your idea. Many of my clients do this and I have observed how, as their ideas take shape, job rejections don’t feel as bad. After a certain amount of time there is a point of transition, when the business concept starts becoming real and takes over the focus of attention.
What could you do?
Self-employed people deliver the services they sell, directly to the customer. So, you could be a freelancer (working on several contracts for different clients), or an independent contractor (working on fixed-term contracts for clients, usually at their premises, and usually via your own limited company). The list of things you could consider is endless, for example:
Coach / Courier / Editor/proof-reader / Event coordinator / Financial adviser / Freelance writer / Graphic designer / Insurance agent / Osteopath / Personal trainer / Photographer / Social media manager / Tutor / UX Designer/ Video editor/ Virtual assistant / Web designer. More ideas are listed here.
Where to start?
Why not start by thinking about what you would like to do. You will need to consider all aspects of your idea, while keeping an open mind. What would your working day be like? Who would your customers be? Why would they want to purchase your product or service? How could you develop your idea to make enough money to meet your needs? Would you need to learn new skills or get a qualification? You may also want to talk to the people you are closest to, for some feedback.
It’s always good to write down your ideas and thoughts because as soon as you do this, you can work with and build on them.
Learning the basics of business
You also need to learn about the basics of running a business. There is plenty of help out there, and much of it is free or low-cost.
1. Read a book about starting a business. For example, Wendy Mayhew’s book WISER: The Definitive Guide to Starting a Business after the Age of 50, can help older people considering entrepreneurship make the right decisions before they start and once they have started. You can purchase it on Amazon or directly from Wendy . (Note: I do not take any commissions from recommendations)
2. Read through the topics covered on my website - start by going to the Home Page and scroll down to the photos/topics - and follow their links to other websites too.
3. Visit https://www.gov.uk/browse/business/setting-up
4. Sign up for free support. If you Google ‘Growth Hub[1] in my area’, you will be able to locate your local growth hub. Many offer a range of free support, from online ‘how to’ guides and webinars to free training and coaching programmes. Many organisations offer help to startups, you just need to do a bit of research online to find them.
Happy to Chat
If you’re still not sure about self-employment and you’d like to have a chat to me about it - at no charge, of course - please contact me via the contact page, or email me at viv@silverstartups.co.uk .
Best wishes
Viv
[1] Local public and private sector partnerships led by the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). ... They provide a mechanism for integrating national and local business support so it is easier for businesses to access the help and advice they need to thrive and grow.