BS: Late career move- how to?

Subject: BS: Late career move- how to?
From: GUEST,Self Unemployed of London
Date: 30 May 07 - 10:20 AM

I've been self- employed for the last 20 years, but in the last 2 years business has dropped off badly, to the point where I'm scarcely making a living. I've spent a lot of money trying to revive the business without effect. It's getting to the point where I've got to do something else, but I can't think what to do. I've been very specialised, very targetted, and not many people outside my core customers need what I do. And it seems they don't need it anymore either.

I'm getting towards 60, and i don't know if I've got the energy to start all over again. But what alternatives are there to flipping shelves at supermarkets, or stacking burgers? To dig I am not able, to beg I am ashamed.

Subject: RE: BS: Late career move- how to?
From: skipy
Date: 30 May 07 - 10:44 AM

So, what did you do to date?
Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: Late career move- how to?
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 May 07 - 12:58 PM

IS there an employment centre nearby? If so, try taking an aptitude test, one that shows up what kinds of jobs you have the skills and talent for. I did that once when I was trying to figure out what to get into. I was amazed at the list of types of jobs it came up with, with ratings for how well I'd be for each type. I ranked really high for being a veterinarian or funeral director! Must be the empathy!

Also, as skipy said, what have you done up to now? Are there other ways to rework that into a larger market or doing it for some other company? Do you have a degree, or, are you interested in going back to school? Is there funding for older workers which would help pay for such?

Subject: RE: BS: Late career move- how to?
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 30 May 07 - 03:20 PM

I think it depends on a lot of factors...is career really important to you or are you ready to scale down? Are you supporting just yourself or a family? Are you eligible for any retirement benefits in a few years? I would be inclined to keep what you have, cut back to any remaining customers..that is if you are making any money at all..and just supplement with a non-offensive job a few hours a day..a crossing guard at a school or a driver of the elderly for a nursing home..or just something to bring in a few bucks that is not overly demanding..but if you are full of vim and vigor and want to set the world on fire go for it...the world can be unkind to middle aged men but there are a lot of success stories and new careers etc. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Late career move- how to?
From: Naemanson
Date: 30 May 07 - 07:11 PM

Use your imagination. Look at what you know and what you've done. I agree about being ashamed to beg but do not be ashamed to work, no matter what it is. Be willing to move. I came to the other side of the planet following a job. Lighten up, i.e., get rid of unnecessary possessions. They just tie you down. The USA has organizations like Peace Corps and others that will employ you and get you moving again.

Note: I am retired from a 29 year career and working in Guam as a teacher of English as a Second Language. You might try that.

Subject: RE: BS: Late career move- how to?
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 May 07 - 07:41 PM

FYI, last I knew, one has to have a college degree before the Peace Corps is interested. Do you know if that is still true, Brett?

Subject: RE: BS: Late career move- how to?
From: GUEST,Self Unemployed of London
Date: 31 May 07 - 09:20 AM

OK I am - was- a designer specialising in equipment for production lines. Just 2 main customers kept me quite happy for 20 years. there aren't many lines of the type I designed for, and now my customers have dropped off- one has gone out of business, having dwindled over the last 2 years, the other has been bought up by a foreign firm, and they'll certainly move production abroad. I can't afford to scale down yet as I've got 2 children at university and one more to go through. I know I've kept my head in the sand for years, but it seemed safe enough until recently. So I've got to find enough to do for the next 4 years at least.

Subject: RE: BS: Late career move- how to?
From: skipy
Date: 31 May 07 - 11:09 AM

This may sound stupid! but go with me on it:-
look up "drop shopping" & "drop shipping" on google.
Skipy