It’s a common misconception that only younger generations today know what they are doing with technology. Twenty-somethings forget that, before we were ever born, former generations sent people into space, created personal computers, and created television – which is still pretty high-tech when you take a moment to reflect. Many of the great minds behind these accomplishments are not dead; many of them still live and freelance in the older generations today.
If you are one of these older people who helped technology advance, I applaud you. My own parents grew up with little access to television and no internet access. They are learning the lay of the land when it comes to technology with kids’ help. If you are able to get here and you are reading an article called Are You Too Old to Freelance? I am pretty sure that you are thinking about more than checking your email and playing computer games online.
I commend you. Jumping into freelancing is not easy, at any age. I personally don’t believe there is an age limit to using your mind to do something a little different like freelance.
If you are still working, know that freelancing is the perfect flexible way to make extra money to save for awesome vacations or family expenses. If you have already retired, freelancing is an excellent way to supplement your retirement fund and spend some of your newfound free time.
Many freelancing opportunities can be completed from the comfort of your own home. Many also require little physical effort, which makes such opportunities perfect for those older freelancers who have a medical conditions or difficulty moving around. Not many job opportunities out there give such opportunities to older people who have other considerations besides experience.
Age is only a number.
The beautiful (and sometimes, scary) thing about the World Wide Web is that no one knows who is really behind another computer. You could be 18 or 54, and still, type with the same syntax and speed as someone twice (or half) your age.
This is an advantage for those who are older and looking for flexible money-making opportunities such as freelancing. Age discrimination is unfortunately a factor in hiring employees. Employers may wonder:
- Can they lift heavy boxes to transport them or stock our inventory?
- Can they stand or walk long enough to do the job?
- What if they have a medical condition and call off multiple times?
This is what makes freelancing an even better idea for older people who are looking to make a few extra bucks. As long as you have a few things in your arsenal, you will be able to start freelancing today!
You Will Need:
- Computer access: Most people now have at least one PC in their homes, but if you need access to one you can always visit your local library (it’s free!).
- Time: You will need at least a few hours a week, depending on which avenue of freelancing you decide to pursue.
- Ingenuity: You need to be able to think on your feet, solve problems, and produce original ideas for your new employer. No one wants recycled material!
- Will: No, not the legal kind. You need the willpower to keep up with the tasks you pursue, as well as to keep hunting down job leads. There may be times when the job opportunities are slow, and there will definitely be times when you have more freelancing gigs than you think you can handle! (But trust me, you can handle them!)
It doesn’t matter what age you are when you decide to try freelancing. Anyone can do it! IF you are older and just starting to freelance, know that you have the experience and the brains necessary to do it; you just need to get out there and start doing it.
