I'm sure there are many of us out there who find ourselves in the later years of our careers, either looking for a change or being caught in the midst of downsizing.  About a year ago, I found myself in such a position.  A Controller and Human Resource Manager by trade, I soon realized that there was a growing market for Freelance Bookkeepers and the rest is history.  Bookkeeping is something that not all companies need on a full time basis and good ones seem to be difficult to find.

The same is true for Human Resources, Sales Consulting, Turn Around Specialists and Project Managers-more and more companies are looking for cost effective approaches to bring that kind of expertise on board without the exposure of hiring on a permanent basis. I’ve found most of my business by word of mouth and was fortunate enough to be referred by an Accounting Firm to many of my clients. I truly enjoy the freedom that Freelance work brings-being able to work from home, setting my own hours, working with a variety of companies has made it rewarding. 

We, at our fifty plus years, have not only gained valuable work experience over the span of our careers but have also gained life experience which can’t be taught in a class room.  For any of us out there who are feeling like yesterday’s news, take some time and write down ways you’ve contributed to companies where you’ve been employed and to people in your personal life. Even a hobby that you enjoy could turn into an opportunity-the limitations are only imposed by ourselves!

There are so many Freelance areas to take advantage of-some you may have not even thought of.   A new career is not only for the young-it’s for the young at heart! The only thing needed is imagination and drive-we still have a contribution to make and knowledge to share.  Age is as they say, but a number!