Baby boomers turning into entrepreneurs
Farrah Gray/NNPA Columnist
Issue date: 9/27/09 Section: Business
In times of doubt, remember the inspirational story of Nelson Mandela- born in 1918, he spent 27 years in jail as a political prisoner fighting for democracy and human rights in South Africa. Upon his release in 1990, he later rose to become an elder political world leader. Mandela won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, at the age of 75 - stating the following quote; "I really wanted to retire and rest and spend more time with my children, my grandchildren and of course with my wife. But the problems are such that for anybody with a conscience who can use whatever influence he may have to try to bring about progress and peace, it's difficult to say no. The greatest glory in living lies not in ever falling, but in rising every time we fall."
Today, despite all the perceived obstacles associated with aging, economic crisis, and social duress - we often find inspiration in our "quite heroes". Those that labored silently for years to scratch out a living and give back something of community value, satisfied by only receiving simple but core rewards of life's true purpose. This is a radical shift in thinking for a group often dubbed the "me generation". We see an acceleration of the baby boomers transitioning into second careers not only to make millions of dollars but to leave a sustainable foundation to those that follow in their footsteps. Their small business goals extend far beyond selfish dreams to incorporate ideas such as Peace, Quality, Inspiration, Learning, and Family Financial Security.
The most recent statistics report over 15 million Americans are out of work with rising 10% unemployment rates. Worldwide companies are aggressively cutting workers starting with those labeled as "aging health or benefit expenses". Increasingly, the baby boomers are learning that when one door closes another opens. Success is built with energy, wisdom, and relentless focus. Regardless of age or circumstance, today millions of retirees are creating second career opportunities that better define their heritage.
Farrah Gray is the author of The Truth Shall Make You Rich: The New Road Map to Radical Prosperity, Get Real, Get Rich: Conquer the 7 Lies Blocking You from Success and the international best-seller Reallionaire: Nine Steps to Becoming Rich from the Inside Out. He is chairman of the Farrah Gray Foundation. Dr. Gray can be reached via email at fg@drfarrahgray.com or his web site at http://www.drfarrahgray.com.
Today, despite all the perceived obstacles associated with aging, economic crisis, and social duress - we often find inspiration in our "quite heroes". Those that labored silently for years to scratch out a living and give back something of community value, satisfied by only receiving simple but core rewards of life's true purpose. This is a radical shift in thinking for a group often dubbed the "me generation". We see an acceleration of the baby boomers transitioning into second careers not only to make millions of dollars but to leave a sustainable foundation to those that follow in their footsteps. Their small business goals extend far beyond selfish dreams to incorporate ideas such as Peace, Quality, Inspiration, Learning, and Family Financial Security.
The most recent statistics report over 15 million Americans are out of work with rising 10% unemployment rates. Worldwide companies are aggressively cutting workers starting with those labeled as "aging health or benefit expenses". Increasingly, the baby boomers are learning that when one door closes another opens. Success is built with energy, wisdom, and relentless focus. Regardless of age or circumstance, today millions of retirees are creating second career opportunities that better define their heritage.
Farrah Gray is the author of The Truth Shall Make You Rich: The New Road Map to Radical Prosperity, Get Real, Get Rich: Conquer the 7 Lies Blocking You from Success and the international best-seller Reallionaire: Nine Steps to Becoming Rich from the Inside Out. He is chairman of the Farrah Gray Foundation. Dr. Gray can be reached via email at fg@drfarrahgray.com or his web site at http://www.drfarrahgray.com.
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