Why you don’t have to be young to be an entrepreneur
When we think of ‘entrepreneurs’ we think of start-up work spaces and Silicon Valley, we imagine Dragon’s Den, kids exploiting the latest technology and a vision of the future. It’s no secret that millennials like to shout about their ideas and take risks, which is why the visual image that we get when we think of ‘start-ups’ is one of young people.
To celebrate the launch of the Insignia Grand Sport, Vauxhall Motors and Management Today released new research which reveals that Generation X (over 40s) are just as likely to pursue a career change as their younger counterparts.
With experience on their side, older first-time entrepreneurs have significant advantages and skills at their disposal. To begin, they’ve had more time to properly build up contacts and experience, allowing them to make informed decisions, without needing as much consulting. But what’s the advantage?
Often with a family to support, Gen-X professionals believe owning a business will bring freedom and flexibility into their lives, with the main motivations being doing interesting work, being your own boss and being challenged.
As part of the launch, Management Today and Vauxhall Motors have created a list of 40 people over the age of 40 who have taken a career leap and come out on top.
Tricia Cusden, founder of Look Young Forever and one of Vauxhall Motors and Management Today’s 40 over 40 commented “It’s my belief that we should carry on challenging ourselves and taking risks as we get older and not allow age to become a barrier in our thinking. My only caveat would be: never risk more than you can afford to lose because you may not have the time you once had to recover from it.”
Neil Butler, Finance and Operations Director of 3V natural foods and one of Vauxhall Motors and Management Today’s 40 over 40 also commented “If you think you know what you are doing and if you have been working for other people, then a change of career in which you work for you own equity can give a sense of real freedom and a fresh sense of excitement about what can be possible. If you can also choose the people that you work with either by going into partnership with them or just employing them, then you have the additional bonus of being able to create a working environment tailored to the way you think and conduct business.”
To coincide with the launch of the new Insignia Grand Sport, Vauxhall Motors has partnered with Management Today to produce Changing Lanes – a report looking at trends of the UK workforce, find the hub here.
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