New podcast episode: senior entrepreneurs smashing stereotypes
Can you imagine starting a business in your 50s or 60s? Being a senior entrepreneur? What a crazy idea.
Oh. Hang on. That’s exactly what I did back in the day. And actually so did my mother. I was part of a trend for senior entrepreneurs, but she was smashing various ageist stereotypes.
My business succeeded, hers was never going to, maybe because she tried to do it all on her own. Maybe because she was ahead of her time: because today, in so many countries, the UK, the US, Australia and Japan, roughly a quarter of new businesses or more are started by older people. It’s kind of a normal thing to do.
If you want to know more about senior entrepreneurs in Aotearoa New Zealand today, hop on to my podcast, Learning How To Be Old. I learned a fair bit myself, and I’m 84 already.
Is a podcast a business? Not this one. For now, it’s a hobby. No, don’t listen on your computer! It’s like a radio programme. You wouldn’t stare at a screen while listening to the radio: that adds nothing. You listen while you’re doing something else, like commuting or lying under a tree or hanging out the washing. That’s how to listen to podcasts 🙂
And if you prefer reading to listening, Apple Podcasts provide a complete transcript of each episode. Isn’t that amazing? I’ve done a lot of transcribing in my time, and jeepers, it sure was time consuming. So that’s a good place to click on the Follow dot.
Making reels for Instagram
By the way, I made a little video for Instagram about this episode. I’m getting the hang of it, but I’m not on automatic pilot yet. I’m still glaring at the phone trying to figure out what icon to click next. Anyway, I videoed myself on my trusty iPhone — this bit was so quick, it’s a dream and it’ll do. Then I put it straight on to Instagram, or so I thought. But no… where did it go? Always a new challenge, usually around the most mundane aspect of a creative activity. Does it matter? No. Is it funny? Frequently, yes.
Enjoy yourself, it’s [earlier] than you think
The glorious Doris Day sang a song that starts “Enjoy yourself, it’s later than you think!” We thought it was pretty funny when we were in our 30s. But don’t assume the end is nigh for you, in the 21st century: at 50, you might have 40 healthy years ahead of you. And don’t be scared of learning how to be old. It can be much more interesting than you think. Knowledge is power, and it’s well worth thinking about the potential of the third third of your life. Enjoy yourself — and do it your way. That might mean lolling in a rocking chair for 40 years. Or it might mean starting a new business.
I went freelance at 45. People asked me why I hadn’t waited until I could get early retirement at 50. I said I couldn’t wait that long. Now I am 82. Does that count?
Totally!
I’m inspired by this post Rachel. I did wanted to start a business in my late forties but then life got very busy. Perhaps in my early sixties, I still might do so.
Yes, there’s plenty of time, Sadje. It’s so good that you have this idea in mind.
Thank you so much Rachel
I didn’t really start writing or painting until I retired 4 years ago… And I’m amazed that these parts of me waited patiently and didn’t go away. I enjoy both so much and now have time to devote to each. Although not a business, it is amazing to me to start something later in life and find that it feels like I’ve finally come home to myself! I love your articles, Rachel. You inspire me. And I love your photo! You’re beautiful, and I want to reach across the miles and give you a big hug!
What a joy to read your words, Josaia! You express this wonderfully — “these parts of me waited patiently and did not go away.” To think that you have”finally come home to yourself” — I am so happy for you. Hugs do travel, you know,and land where they are aimed, and bounce right back to you. Thank you.
💜
Nurturing our creative side as well as pushing those boundaries outward is invigorating as we age. Well, for me it is. You are indeed an inspiration, Rachel.
Hi Suzanne! I had lost track of some comments with a change of Jetpack interface, and here you are. Yes, I think those 50-plus entrepreneurs show just what you describe. Which comes first, the energy or the idea, I wonder?
Such an interesting podcast Rachel, I really enjoyed it.
I so like the comment:
“The thing I love about getting older is the confidence to be myself. And that means that I don’t have to form strong judgements or opinions about anything. I can just be totally open to what is there in front of me.”
So very true!
I will pass that on, Peter. Thank you.