I find it amazing how most people assume entrepreneurs are generally younger people. It's just not true. The fact of the matter is that the paint is not dry. Who says that dreaming is for young people? Why shouldn't you chase your dreams; no matter how old you are?
My wife Mara sent me this story several weeks ago from the New York Times that talks about "encore entrepreneurs". Encore entrepreneurs is the term used to describe people who create their own businesses in their 50's and 60's. Many of these people previously held other long-lasting jobs, but had an itch to try something new.
Here's an interesting bit of information I found from the article:
The number of self-employed New Yorkers who were at least 50 rose to 209,972 in 2016, up 63.7 percent from 128,282 in 2000. By comparison, the number of city residents overall who were at least 50 rose just 28.5 percent to 2.67 million from 2.08 million during that same period.
But despite this growth, I've also read that more small businesses are opening than they are closing these days. Around 9% of all American businesses close every year, but only 8% are opened.
The same article also stated that 51% of small business owners are 50-88 years old, while 33% are 35-49 and just 16% are 35 or younger.
While it is certainly inspiring seeing older people trying new ideas and starting up their own businesses, it's discouraging that so few young people are contributing to the cause.
If you have an idea, don't lay down and don't give up! Don't stop yourself just because you think you're too young or too old. And support small businesses because their gradual decline is not a good sign for our country's future.
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Quote of the Day: “Chase the vision, not the money; the money will end up following you.” - Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos
Song of the Day: "Working For The Weekend" by Loverboy
*My latest book; "Living on Purpose: Stories about Faith, Fortune and Fitness that will lead you to an Extraordinary Life", is now available for pre-order! Click here!*
