As I mark another year around the sun, reaching the age of 67, a number that aligns with the new retirement age which is being introduced here in the UK in the next couple of years, I’m prompted to reflect on the notion of retirement itself.
Did I hang up my boots as the clock ticked past this milestone which for me was last year Far from it. Instead, I find myself immersed in a whirlwind of activities and ventures, arguably more engaged and active than ever before.
My journey in the window blind industry may have taken a different turn with the closure of my factory, yet my passion for the field hasn’t waned. Going forward I plan to channel this passion into mentoring, guiding my protégés through the intricacies of establishing and running a window blind (some of you may call them shades I guess) sales and fitting business and helping them to source blinds at competitive trade prices, ensuring they too can carve out a prosperous livelihood here in the UK. I may even venture out selling and fitting a few jobs here and there to keep me active and earn a few pounds. I have people who are late 70’s who are operating this business part time from home and earning a good part time.
The digital realm though has also captivated my interest, with my online endeavors taking shape in a Facebook advertising agency and affiliate marketing ventures. My goal for the year is to scale these projects, streamlining processes and delegating tasks, particularly in the agency, to outworkers, thus freeing me to work on projects like the growth of business, Parallel to these pursuits, I oversee a quaint bar and restaurant nestled in The Gambia. While I may not be present on the ground, my directive role is pivotal in steering the establishment towards profitability, despite the lingering challenges in the hospitality and tourism sectors post-COVID.
I guess I’m blessed with reasonably good health, apart from battles with high blood pressure, I seem to have dodged the arthritis that started to trouble my dad in his early sixties. That may actually be due to not following him into the farming business where he was out harvesting vegetables in the cold wet winter months in the UK. That wasn’t for me. I do intend to continue working for as long as I can BUT have a healthy work/leisure balance, and obviously an online business fits in perfectly with that,
The good news (in some ways) for those of us clocking up the years is the increase of the developed world’s longevity trend. From a median age of 33.9 years in 1974 to 40.7 years in 2021, the UK’s demographic landscape has shifted significantly, promising an older, yet vibrant population. In the UK alone I believe there are over 10 million people older than me. So on the odd days that I feel old when I wake in the morning I remender this!
This extended lifespan, however, introduces a daunting question. Will our financial resources sustain us through our extended years? This query led me to explore and stress the importance of a side hustle, particularly in the realm of online business and affiliate marketing. These avenues not only offer financial security but also provide a platform for continuous engagement and productivity beyond traditional retirement and as I said earlier they can fit in well with having a perfect balance between work and leisure time for which you will have the resources to enjoy to the full.
With over two years of experience in establishing a business in the online space and over 25 years in scaling offline businesses, I believe I have amassed a wealth of knowledge and insights beneficial to anyone looking to embark on their entrepreneurial journey. I invite you to join my SteveMoore34 Partner Profit newsletter, where I commit to sharing this treasure trove of experiences, aiming to empower and guide you towards success. Hop on this by clicking on the box on the left panel or clicking here.
As I look back on my journey and the paths yet to be travelled, I’m reminded of the humour and reality of financial planning for the future. I recall a social media post which said something along the lines of “I’ve finally saved enough to last me the rest of my life… As long as I die by next Friday” 😉
I stand firm in the belief that with the right strategies, dedication, and a pinch of entrepreneurial spirit, we can navigate the twilight years not just with security, but with thriving ambition and purpose and if I can help you along the way please reach out.
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