Entering the workforce may seem daunting but deciding to change careers after 40 can be downright scary. Since most people are established in their careers by the time they reach this milestone, switching gears and entering a new field might feel impossible. However, there’s been a huge shift in the way we view work. In fact, many new businesses are founded by those who’ve decided to venture out on their own after working in the corporate world for over 10 years or more.

Do Your Research

The first step of starting your own business is identifying a demand. While it’s always best to do what you love, there’s not necessarily always a demand for it. Set yourself up for success by researching your business idea. Identify your competitors and see if there’s room for you to compete. If the niche is oversaturated, you may want to consider another type of business.

Write Your Business Plan

Even if you have enough money to cover startup costs, you still need a concrete business plan. In addition to your financials, you also need to include your mission statement, your target audience and define your goals. You should also include a market analysis and a rough draft of your marketing strategy. If you’re completely changing shifting gears and entering a niche you know prior knowledge of, going back to college to learn more isn’t a bad idea. If you don’t have the money to pay out of pocket, you can work with a private lender. Having student loans available through private lenders can be tailored to fit your budget, usually have better repayment options and lower interest as well.

Choose the Right Team Members

With age comes wisdom, so having the right people on your team can help you be successful. In addition to a reputable accountant, you also need experienced legal counsel. Look for team members who understand your vision and are eager to help grow your business. You also need to put together a strong marketing team unless you already work in the field. You also need to be aware of the realities of a hybrid workplace, if not a fully remote one, as they relate to your personnel. 

Create a Personalized SWOT

A SWOT analysis will help you identify your areas of strengths and weaknesses and areas of potential threats, like your competition or lack of resources. Once complete, you’ll be able to see where you need to focus most of your attention to get your business off the ground and continue to gain traction.

Use Your Age to Your Advantage

When you were 20, you had the motivation but lacked experience. Now, with 20 or more years under your belt, you now have both. Use your age to your advantage by implementing everything you’ve learned in the workforce. For example, if you worked in marketing and advertising, you already know what it takes to get your brand noticed. If you specialize in tech, then building an app or your website should be easy. It also saves you a lot of money when trying to get your business off the ground.