Speaking of older women being laid off and struggling in this crazy market

11 Comments

1. AnonymousJanuary 21,2024 at 3:34PM UTC

   I'm with you, older and laid off, looking for part time and now educating myself on starting my own gig. Good Luck to you!

2. AnonymousJanuary 21,2024 at 4:02PM UTC

   Good luck ?

3. AnonymousJanuary 21,2024 at 4:14PM UTC

   I'm not the entrepreneurial type so I'm upgrading my computer knowledge. Specifically machine learning AI. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

   But if you have the will and the skill, go for it!

4. Darlene SaundersJanuary 21,2024 at 5:46PM UTC

   Many are starting their own businesses or joining the gig market, using side jobs to pay bills, it’s worth looking into.

5. PriscillaJanuary 21,2024 at 7:40PM UTC

   25% of the work force will be free lancing in the not to distant future. Here is what I did, I worked full time, saved money, then resigned to start up my existing company.

   I have also worked part time while building my side hustle, which once fully funded with be a full time gig. It is NOT an easy path to take, not for the faint of heart. Worked out for me because I had savings, and continued to invest a different way past couple of years for peace of mind and emergencies. There are many more options on their way for us to reduce our overhead and costs for example .... I pay for my own health care - I did a sharing exchange for any emergency situation that hopefully will not happen, and I joined a concierge service for labs at cost and seeing a Dr. when I need it. 2/3 less $ than being in the "system", which obviously is broken for the most part. One has to get creative. If you are looking for a job, keep that up a day a week for example, and work on your passion project at the same time. Only you know your situation, savings, etc..

   But the answer is yes, it can work out. All the best.

6. AnonymousJanuary 22,2024 at 4:05AM UTC

   I started a side hustle in addition to my primary job right before the pandemic. It became easier to add a 2nd client during the pandemic and I slowly built my business. I took some of my earnings and hired a lawyer and an accountant to help me set things up quickly and professionally. I renovated a small guest room to be my office, purchased new computer, printer/scanner, shredder etc. By 2022 I was pulling in enough (clients were former employers that I had history with and full knowledge of) that I banked the $ while still working full-time. At the beginning of 2023 I gave notice and for the past year have work part time for my own business and made more $ than I have in my life. I control my time, my time off, purchased great benefits on my own and have complete responsibility. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would do this. The pandemic gave me such a great opportunity to reassess the end of my career on my terms. I never saw myself as an entrepreneur but I am now.

7. Danielle RiceJanuary 22,2024 at 1:05PM UTC

   Do you mind sharing what type of business you run? Your story is inspiring. Thanks for share.

8. AnonymousJanuary 22,2024 at 2:31PM UTC

   I am a Paralegal and most attorneys don't want to handle the day to day support I provide an in-house legal department in a highly regulated industry but many of those departments have downsized and cannot support a fulltime support staff at my level (i have specialized expertise in a specific industry).

   The amount of work is less these days but highly specific and I can bill at 3x my former W2 rate and they still save money and due to the fact they save payroll taxes, benefits, offic space. Etc) and only pay me for the work I bill them. With 2 clients, working part-time, I can make far more than I made working full-time. I control my hours worked (between 20-23 per week) and take as much pto as I want. The best part is, I can work from anywhere so my husband and I can travel whenever we want (mostly to visit grandkids and RV across the country to visit friends).

   If I could go back in time, I would have done this years ago.

9. Bonnie HyattJanuary 22,2024 at 1:51PM UTC

   This is great to hear. Grats on your success!

10. Steven HawkJanuary 23,2024 at 2:25PM UTC

    If you have a good business plan and how to market- you should follow your lead.

11. Cindy GloverJanuary 24,2024 at 3:33AM UTC

    Let me know when you’re hiring ??