The global recession that took place in 2008 caused many Americans to lose their jobs. Many people lost their homes, their careers, and their sense of security. "We were starting over in a competitive job market with people half our age and experience we didn't have," says a couple who lost the majority of their income in the construction business when the economy tilted on its side three years ago. Many small businesses folded under the same financial hardships, their owners returning to school or another fallback career. Many of these individuals took a long look at their situations and concluded they must RE-INVENT themselves.
Career Shifters: Whether or not you are an entrepreneur, when it comes to diversifying your income or perhaps shifting careers, there are some important decisions to make. What are my likes and dislikes? What are my strengths and my weaknesses? It can be very helpful to take a career/personality assesment test in these early stages to help determine what you might do best and best match your lifestyle goals with your career. We recommend the PRO-D from TAI, Inc. assesment test. This test will connect your motivations, talents, AND your personality with your best career matches. Many career shifters are looking for a lifestyle change as well. The ability to set your own hours and do something you love is actually what attracts many of these shifters into the world of franchising.
We find it interesting that studies show women make up the largest percentage of career shifters in the last four years (over 70%). Many women are starting up businesses or buying existing businesses and running them successfully in a fine balance with their own family and personal lives. It is suspected their social flexibility (often gained as mothers and as wives) allows them to reinvent themselves more readily in the professional arena.
Freedom to Choose: MOST mid-life career changers will choose entreprenuership or small business ownership to ensure financial freedom and a successful future for themselves and their families. It's a point when all acquired knowledge and professional skills come together in an orchestra of Passion, Performance, and Hard Work. The owner and founder of Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids, Paula Thurman was a fiery entreprenuer back in 1997 when she opened her first kid's salon. Her fantastic concepts and relentless work ethic is now reaping the benefits as Shear Madness grows rapidly across the United States. Paula says her only key to success has been “totally believing in the concept and never giving up.” But it doesn’t hurt that she passionately pursues new, innovative ways to bring clients in and help Shear Madness™ grow.
Career Shifters are Franchising
If considering a new career, buying an existing business, starting your own business, or buying a franchise, career shifters can expect a significant impact on their lifestyle and finances for the first year (at least!) Hopefully, initial investment does not outweigh the long term benefits of making the career change. Many career shifters are opting for Franchise Ownership because the professional groundwork has already been laid and a successful business model has emerged. When buying a franchise or mutiple franchises, shifters can choose exactly what type of business they wish to own and what their income will be. Some of the most popular franchise options (especially for women over 40) today include:
- Concierge Home Services Household and Cleaning Services\
- Winnie Couture Bridal Gowns and Wedding Services
- Lunch Lady Provides Schools with Lunches and Kitchen Services
- Chez Cora Canada Restaurant Chain growing rapidly
- Plato's Closet Gently Used Clothing and Retail
- last but not least (of course!) Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids!
8 Suggestions for Career Shifters
1. Self Assessment - Conduct a thorough self anaylysis of strengths, desires, abilities and goals. There are lots of career assesment tools readily available online for a small fee, sometimes for FREE!
2. Research - Talk to others, read articles (like this one) and process the information with family and friends - research has proven itself most helpful for successful shifters in deciding the best career path for themselves.
3. Take Inventory of your Transferrable Skills
4. Get Training and/or Education - many career shifters begin by returning to school.
5. NETWORK
6. Gain Experience
7. Find a Career Mentor
8. BE FLEXIBLE
For more information on Shear Madness Franchising opportunities please contact Jim Otto jim@shearmadnessfranchising.com or download this excellent FREE resource on the Advantages and Disadvantages of Franchising and begin researching (possibly) your new career! To Download the Whitepaper CLICK Here!
We're having a great day at Shear Madness, we hope you have one too!
