Freelancing After 50

From the Editor

My Freelance After 50 Story

I am sitting in front of a blank piece of digital paper asking myself what business do I have writing about freelancing after fifty?

The truth is, I have plenty.

I've been a freelancer on and off -- this is my third time out -- for the past 16 years. I started penultimately at age 49 the first time. That lasted just over a year until I joined a blogging technology startup.

The second excursion occurred at age 54, following the publishing of my second book The Digital Handshake. That version lasted about seven years, during which I started a small business, Chaney Marketing Group, and hired freelancers.

I've been at it for a third time since June 2020. I was 64 then; I'm 66 now... and having the time of my life!

Cumulatively, that comes to about 10 years in a freelancing role. So, maybe, yes, I do have something to say.

My goal is to help people 50 and older 1) consider freelancing as a "second act" career and 2) provide personal advice and resources to get started. Think of me as a "Walmart greeter" here to welcome you and show you the way in. ("Marketing tips?" That's on aisle 15 next to sales.)

My plan is to do this every two weeks. (I read about people who published their 100th newsletter or 400th podcast and wonder how that's even possible... but I'm up for the challenge. The payoff is worth it.)

Here's the funny thing. While there is a ton of content about freelancing, a bunch of organizations focused on freelancers, and plenty of platforms where freelancers can showcase their wares, there is relatively little discussion about freelancing after 50.

That's not to suggest the two don't share many commonalities, but there are unique aspects to starting a freelance career later in life (we'll get to the reasons in the next newsletter).

For now, I've listed some of the content that's surfaced on first page Google returns, most of which date back to 2020 and earlier. I hope to change that and keep the conversation going.

See you in two weeks!

Paul

Top Pick

The New Realities Of Freelancing After 50

Forbes riffs on surprising data about freelancers over 50 found in the "Freelancing in America: 2019" report. Yes, the report is over two years old, but the information is still valid (and surprising).

Opportunity

Can I Have a New Career at 50? Freelancing as a Senior

You got questions about freelancing after 50? This article has answers... lots of them.

Freelancing After 50 Comes With Challenges and Unique Opportunities

Why are boomers choosing to freelance and how can you ensure success at any age? Here's a helpful guide on freelancing after 50.

Jobs

Over 50? Here are 8 Freelancing Jobs You’d Be Perfect For

I was looking for an article about freelance writing jobs and found this one. Online juror? That's a thing? Look for more job recos in the next issue.

Freelancer Stories

Why I Freelance: Age Is an Advantage for Freelancers Over 50

I love stories about freelancers, and this one is especially interesting. The writer got into freelancing the same way I did (at least the first and third times): we both got laid off from our jobs. Whether you got into freelancing because you wanted to or had to from lack of work, you will find this story inspiring. (Got a 50+ freelancing story? Let's talk.)