The trend toward more entrepreneurial careers for young adults finds a parallel with those of us in the “baby boomer-s” generation (as discussed earlier at this site). StartupJournal cites a study by AARP finding that “16% of those over age 50 are self-employed, compared to 10% of the general work force. About a third of the self-employed seniors also are first-time entrepreneurs who had previously always worked for others.”
The stories of two “seasoned” first time entrepreneurs are told in this article written by Mark Henricks. Each found the path to entrepreneurship in different ways. For some it is life circumstances, while for others it is a choice to take a new direction in life.
“Janice Taylor is an example of an older American who chose to become an entrepreneur largely for the fun of it. Not long after she turned 50 last year Ms. Taylor gave up an investor relations position at a New York City media company to pursue a venture that mixes weight control with art.”
“Mary Rooney Sheahen lost her job as a Chicago hospital CEO in 2000, but eventually opted to start her own company rather than seek another position in health-care administration. ‘It gave me an opportunity to step back and say, ‘Do I want to keep doing this?’ Ms. Rooney Sheahen recalls.”
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