"The massive pool of blood in my head pressed precariously against my brain." If this were a novel, that would be a great opening line. But your story is real... and inspiring.
What you talk about -- losing a job at age 50 and starting over -- is precisely what happened to me in 2005. It led to a new career and a new lease on life. Fifteen years later, at age 65, I was laid off from a marketing job. Feeling that I was too old for anyone to hire me, I embarked yet again on a soloentrepreneur journey.
That was five years ago, and I have not looked back. Nor do I intend to. I'm not Gen X, but my journey is much the same. If anything, maybe I can help those just coming to terms with what you're discussing here.
Absolutely, it is. I try not to sit and read anyone's articles back to back. But Brian has captured my attention. I'm bingeing and can't seem to help it. I've laughed, smiled, and cringed several times today.
There's so much content to read here that I could spend all day. The problem is that about an hour into it, I would quit absorbing anything anyone says. LOL But you're right—Brian is hitting on all cylinders for me. Even though his focus is Gen X and I'm a Boomer, what he says resonates like a cathedral bell.
I’m absorbing what I need for the moment. Brian’s course is filling the holes that are left because I started with the big rocks and layered in the pebbles. I’ve been strategically working for a little more than a year.
I’ve taken several breaks today and am taking notes on the parts that’s filling gaps.
Ah yes, the dreaded "supposed to." Many of us GenXers had it drilled into our psyche from day one, and it's a tough habit to break. And yet, we must adapt and reinvent or be left in the dust. Thanks for leading the way!
Thank you for sharing this part of your story Brian, I was riveted. Your voice hits a sweet spot for me and I really appreciate how you’ve chosen to pivot and bring us all along with you. At a fresh 51, I’ve recently started a Substack and am a Further premium member, so learning from you as I go. Thank you!
I chose to leave my job at 49 along with other life changes. I'm so glad I did. I'm here because you seem to have figured out this existence of build the one person business. I haven't, not just yet. Though I have a ginormous vision, the right implementation is still missing.
Paul, my stomach was literally clenching as I was reading your story - as my dad also loves snowboarding.
It's inspiring how you basically reinvented yourself at 50 - most people would probably just give up.
And yes, I do think the best thing we could do for our job security, is to have a company of one, or build something in parallel to our job, as there are no guarantees nowadays.
"The massive pool of blood in my head pressed precariously against my brain." If this were a novel, that would be a great opening line. But your story is real... and inspiring.
What you talk about -- losing a job at age 50 and starting over -- is precisely what happened to me in 2005. It led to a new career and a new lease on life. Fifteen years later, at age 65, I was laid off from a marketing job. Feeling that I was too old for anyone to hire me, I embarked yet again on a soloentrepreneur journey.
That was five years ago, and I have not looked back. Nor do I intend to. I'm not Gen X, but my journey is much the same. If anything, maybe I can help those just coming to terms with what you're discussing here.
The layoffs after 55 or so are really tough to recover from, and that's what I want to help people prepare for. You're a great example!
Thank you, sir. I appreciate all you're doing to help 55 and older achieve financial resilience.
I agree about that opening line for a novel!!
It’s good, right?
Absolutely, it is. I try not to sit and read anyone's articles back to back. But Brian has captured my attention. I'm bingeing and can't seem to help it. I've laughed, smiled, and cringed several times today.
There's so much content to read here that I could spend all day. The problem is that about an hour into it, I would quit absorbing anything anyone says. LOL But you're right—Brian is hitting on all cylinders for me. Even though his focus is Gen X and I'm a Boomer, what he says resonates like a cathedral bell.
A cathedral bell. I love it.
I’m absorbing what I need for the moment. Brian’s course is filling the holes that are left because I started with the big rocks and layered in the pebbles. I’ve been strategically working for a little more than a year.
I’ve taken several breaks today and am taking notes on the parts that’s filling gaps.
Ah yes, the dreaded "supposed to." Many of us GenXers had it drilled into our psyche from day one, and it's a tough habit to break. And yet, we must adapt and reinvent or be left in the dust. Thanks for leading the way!
Thanks Sasha. The most maddening part is even when we did what we were supposed to do, the rug still got pulled out from under many of us!
Thank you for sharing this part of your story Brian, I was riveted. Your voice hits a sweet spot for me and I really appreciate how you’ve chosen to pivot and bring us all along with you. At a fresh 51, I’ve recently started a Substack and am a Further premium member, so learning from you as I go. Thank you!
Thanks for reading Sharon!
I chose to leave my job at 49 along with other life changes. I'm so glad I did. I'm here because you seem to have figured out this existence of build the one person business. I haven't, not just yet. Though I have a ginormous vision, the right implementation is still missing.
Paul, my stomach was literally clenching as I was reading your story - as my dad also loves snowboarding.
It's inspiring how you basically reinvented yourself at 50 - most people would probably just give up.
And yes, I do think the best thing we could do for our job security, is to have a company of one, or build something in parallel to our job, as there are no guarantees nowadays.
Great post and thank you for sharing your story