If you’re like me or many other midlife women who wondered what’s next in life, you may be contemplating a new career path, especially if what you are currently doing no longer fulfills you. Also like me, you may have started a business on the side that you have found enriching to your life, bringing so much joy. And, like me, you wondered if this part-time business can become your main source of income?
The answer is a resounding YES!
Let’s explore how you can transition from a side hustle to your dream job after 50.
Embrace Change
Change can be daunting, even scary, especially when society shouts that it’s too late for you to start over or that you’re delusional to leave a “good” job and go off on your own. But here’s the truth: it’s never too late to pursue what sets your soul on fire. Many women over 50 have successfully pivoted careers, turning passions into professions. Viola Davis achieved most of her acting success after 50. Julie Wainwright founded The RealReal in her mid 50s. Your wealth of experience is a valuable asset in any new venture.
Identifying Your Passion and Skills
Don’t fall for the hype that your side hustle needs to satisfy a burning passion you’ve long held. Your business can be practical … based on fulfilling a need in the market based on your experience or skills, i.e., you’ve been a grant writer at a global foundation and you decide to offer grant writing services for entrepreneurs who need startup capital. Take the time to reflect on what truly excites you, as well as inventory your experience and skills, then research businesses that align.
The Power of a Side Hustle
Starting your business part-time makes a lot of sense and limits risk. Importantly, a side hustle allows you to test the waters without the pressure of needing it to be an immediate financial success that can fully support your lifestyle income needs. It gives you space to experiment, learn, recover from any setbacks, and grow. As your confidence and client base expand, and you’ve had multiple quarters of sustained revenue, you’ll be better positioned to make it your full-time income stream.
Building a Supportive Network
Limit discussing your business with naysayers who attempt to deter you from your dream. (It’s coming from their own sense of unfulfilled dreams.) Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who uplift and support your journey. Join your local chamber of commerce, business groups, and attend workshops. Attend entrepreneur networking mixers and connect with mentors who can provide valuable insights, leads, resources, and encouragement on your journey.
Defy Ageism and Embrace Confidence
Society may try to tell you to step aside, that your chances to reinvent your life has expired. But society can’t define your worth or capabilities. And it can’t dim your light or desires UNLESS you let it! Research other midlife women who have started successful business or careers after 50 and find inspiration from the stories that led to their success. Embrace your age and courage to create a new career or business as testament to your curiosity, adaptability, resilience and wisdom. Your confidence in your abilities will shine through, inspiring other midlife women to take up their own charge to make a change in their lives.
Don’t let age, fears, or other’s opinions hinder you from starting a new career or business. You will find that this new journey is a path to rediscovering joy and purpose in your life. You get to decide whether you keep this as a side hustle or let it evolve into your dream job, which can bring fulfillment and excitement to your life.
Come back for the best businesses for women to start online.
This blog article features AI generated images.
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