I felt quite inspired by my recent blog about entrepreneurship in midlife, so in these past weeks I’ve been interviewing three midlifers who started their own business. In this blog you can find the first interview.
Sarah, a 48-year-old former corporate executive, had spent over two decades climbing the corporate ladder in a multinational company. Despite her success, she felt a growing sense of dissatisfaction and a longing to pursue her passion for photography.
What was your turning point? My pivotal moment came when I took a sabbatical to travel. During my travels, I rediscovered my love for photography and I realised I wanted to turn this passion into a career. When friends and family saw my photos, I received such positive feedback. They really supported me to take the plunge into setting up as an entrepreneur.
How did you start? I started small, offering my photography services part-time, focusing on weddings and events. I leveraged both my personal and professional network to secure my first clients and used social media to showcase my work. The skillset I had refined during a career in customer services served me very well, because I developed a reputation for delivering an excellent service, which helped me to differentiate myself somewhat in the industry.
Which challenges did you have to overcome? Actually, one of my biggest challenges was mastering the technical aspects of running a photography business, from editing software to marketing strategies. I enrolled in online courses and joined photography groups to learn from peers. Another issue I faced was how to balance my new business with family responsibilities. It took a while, to be honest, but I managed to set clear boundaries and delegate household tasks.
Where are you now? It took me three years to scale the business and become a fulltime photographer. I’ve had to invest in professional equipment, and expand my services to include product photography and workshops. But today, my business is doing very well. I have a part-time assistant, a robust online presence, and a loyal client base. I think my midlife transition was a blessing, because it allowed me to pursue a career in line with my passion and values.
Our case studies illustrate the diverse possibilities that midlife entrepreneurship can offer. Whether transitioning from a corporate career, diving into the tech industry, or starting an organic farm, midlife entrepreneurs can create meaningful and impactful ventures.
For those considering entrepreneurship in midlife, remember that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. With careful planning, resilience, and a passion for your chosen field, you can navigate the challenges and achieve success. Embrace the journey, and let midlife be a time of new beginnings and exciting opportunities!
2 antwoorden