Times Are Changing

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With the economy going down fast and many so-called experts predicting we are going to be in depression for a decade or more, things are not looking good. The down turn has hit most people but it has wiped out the hopes of those recently retired or just about to retire. Private pension funds have been decimated. Hundreds of thousands of hard working honest people have seen their hopes of a comfortable retirement destroyed by greedy bankers and corrupt politicians. The institutions we were brought up to respect have been working against us and have destroyed the lives of many.

The traditional concept of retirement is slowly disappearing, as many people will have to continue to work if they are not to see their living standards drop to an unacceptable level. The problem is trying to get employment when you reach middle-aged is not easy. Despite government legislation about age discrimination, we all know age discrimination is a fact that middle-aged people have to deal with if they are in the job market.

It’s not all bleak though. There are opportunities for middle-aged people today that did not exist ten years ago. The internet has created the opportunity for us to create a completely new life for ourselves. We don’t have to accept a life of poverty in retirement, we can utilize the internet to start our own business and invest in ourselves. I’ve invested in endowments over the years and seen them plummet, with all the promises of great dividends nothing more than a con. I’ve paid into a pension fund all my life and seen it reduced because of government tax grabs and falling investment returns.

Now I’ve said enough is enough. Eighteen months ago, I decided to invest in myself and start a business on the internet. My objective was simple; to build a fund for my retirement. Not by investing in shares and allowing someone who has no interest in my welfare to look after my money, nor by increasing my pension payments. No, I’m going to build my retirement income by investing in myself. This basic philosophy is the driving force behind my online business.

Along my journey, I’ve learned a lot. I started with a little knowledge and a lot of determination. My blog was born out of my desire to pass on and share the knowledge I have acquired and to encourage others to follow my plan to secure their retirement. I welcome guest posts on my blog.

Working From Home

Not so long ago working from home wasn’t so easy to do. Most thought it was just a fad perpetrated by futuristic magazines, you know the type that shows smiling families flying between skyscrapers in some flying car. Today however it’s becoming more and more common as work changes. For middle-aged people as the job market contracts and we are shaken out. Working from home in some form of small business may be our only opportunity to remain economically active. The alternative is to sink into inactive depression.

If we can get over the years of belief we have had forced into our heads about associating employment with attending some place where we turn up for so many hours and perform some task for so long before going back home, then we can get to grips with the new ways of working. The internet has completely changed the jobs market and we need to come to terms with these changes.

For the older generation this is a great bonus if we are prepared to adapt to these changes. For the first time we have opportunities to use the internet to start, a small business much easier than has ever been possible. A flexible mind and a willingness to learn new things are essential to surviving in these times.

If you are still in work now is the time to start exploring ways to earn another income through the internet. Even a small extra income can help towards your retirement savings. Think about it if you could earn an extra £250.00 every month above your own wages you can soon build up a respectable retirement pot. Also, when you do eventually retire you have another income coming in.

The days when we got one job, stayed in it until we were sixty-five then rode off into a state financed retirement are well and truly over. If you’re still harbouring under this illusion then open your eyes and wake up fast. All the taxes you’ve paid all your working life have been squandered away. Crooked politicians and businessmen have trousered them. The pot is empty. If you are relying on the state then you are heading towards a retirement of penury.

Throw off your old belief systems and step into the now. Times have changed and we have to change with them. Start now to lay the foundations of a small business then when the inevitable happens, you won’t be wandering around job centres all day. You won’t need to keep waiting for another rejection letter. You can power up your business. Apart from giving you another income, you will maintain your dignity. Become proactive and survive.