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Gemma Williams has some advice for anyone considering going it alone and becoming self employed.
For many around the UK, the ordinary living wage simply is not enough any more. With rises in groceries, petrol, insurance, interest rates and pretty much everything in between, it makes a lot of sense that people around the country are beginning to consider career changes.
In fact, in 2023, an estimated 900,000 businesses were launched in the UK, ranging from side hustles making small bonus incomes all the way to people switching up their entire career and working for themselves on a full-time basis.
Becoming your own boss and managing your own time is something that appeals to pretty much all of us, but is it a realistic option for older entrepreneurs?
Thankfully, in this modern world, it’s never too late, even if you’ve been told you’re too old to be starting a business at 50.
There are some incredible options out there for creating beautiful websites with ease, selling products online, shipping internationally or offering services that you think would be a great money maker; all of which are superb ways to support your new business and reach as many people as possible.
As someone who has been working hard for their entire adult life, there is a very small chance that you are skill-less, although many people may feel that way.
The chances are, if you are even considering starting a business or already trying to become your own boss, then you’ve already found your niche or had an idea that would warrant becoming self-employed; the only thing stopping you at this point could be yourself.
Whatever your skill set, and no matter your background, you’ll have developed some skills somewhere along the line that could be incredibly useful to some.
Before you jump in head first, there are a few things to consider that will help to refine your idea and get you on the road to success:
Don’t let anything hold you back from becoming your own boss, least of all your age. In the modern world, experience counts for more than pretty much anything, so those with more years of work under their belts stand a much better chance of success.
Use your wealth of knowledge and start your own business, get your idea out there, help to fill a hole in the market, offer a service to those who need it and do it all with the confidence that you are the right person for the job.
*Gemma Williams actively contributes to conversations about career development, workplace culture and the future of work. She is dedicated to creating resources and platforms that provide meaningful connections and support career growth. After gaining experience in various HR roles, she now turns her focus toward growing her personal brand and connecting with leading experts in the industry. Follow her @GemmaWilliamsHR or take a look at her website: https://startupcareers.co.uk/.