If you were going to start a small business in your retirement...?

Question

Ideally what would you like it to be?

I realize business and retirement are at opposite ends of the spectrum, but many find total retirement dissatisfying and others are finding pensions and social security to be...tight.

This is a 'what if' question. It can be either fanciful or practical.

Answer 1

Late 40s, early 50s dance and dinner club with the dance band/orchestra, floor and stage shows. Period cloths required.

Answer 2

My husband and I are already discussing setting up a consulting business when he retires. We've both done similar work, but focused on different elements of the work. He is already getting offers, and has taken vacation time to do some consulting work. The appealing thing about the type of consulting we'd like to do is that it is episodic, only lasts a few weeks or months, and draws on things we have experience doing. So, we could work a few months, and then take a few months off. We both might do 'reserve' type work, where we'd be hired to work when the need arose, work a few months, and then return home.

However, we do have ideas for a 'fanciful' job too. My husband plays Blues Harp (harmonica), he loves to perform. We both love going out to listen to bands in small venues. He currently plays in a 'garage band' (6 guys from 44 to 60 yo) and they do get gigs. We also love boats. So, we've been 'what if-ing' for years about opening a tavern or pub on the water either in the Keys or along the intercoastal waterway. There would dock slips for boats and parking for cars. We'd build a stage with room for a good sized band, lights, and a sound system. I'd run the bar and he'd run the 'entertainment division'. We'd close the bar one or two days a week so we could go fishing. I could dance with whomever I wanted to and he could 'sit in' with whomever he wanted to. We are both well aware that this would be a 24/7 venture....but if you are doing something you love, who cares.

It's likely we'll be doing the consulting work and visiting rather than owning the music venues...;)

Answer 3

Important Considerations for All Potential Entrepreneurs
The SBA advises anyone thinking about starting a business to ask themselves several questions before going forward.

Am I a self starter?
How well do I get along with a variety of personalities?
How good am I at making decisions?
Do I have the physical and emotional stamina to run a business?
How well do I plan and organize?
Are my attitudes and drive strong enough to maintain motivation?
How will the business affect my family
http://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/ek00/small.htm

http://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/ek00/small.htm

Looks like some ideas on the Yahoo Search.

Answer 4

Rumba woman i'm with you. We own a operating farm. For now this is only chickens and we promote the eggs. you does no longer believe the those who want sparkling eggs. We also offered backyard produce this season. We did not get wealthy besides the undeniable fact that the money helped out. when I retire i'd favor to cater small venues. human beings tell me that i'm a sturdy practice dinner and that i nevertheless practice dinner as nonetheless i'm feeding a protection rigidity. i only won't be able to component for 2 or 3 human beings. pass for it!

Answer 5

My life long dream is to be a foster parent. I have always wanted to do that and I am very seriously thinking about doing just that after I retire. I know that most folks have raised their kids and don't want any more kids around any more except for their grand kids. Well that might be for some, but for my that is what I want. There are so many kids out there that have been taken away from their parents because of drugs, abuse and all kinds of stuff. So that is what I want to do. I am not wanting to do this for the money but for the kids their self. My heart goes out to these kids.

Answer 6

I have just lived out your question! lol

I retired when I was 50. I was an interior decorator for many years and had my own business.

As a hobby, I started making dolls which look real after they are totally taken apart, hand painted and so on. Well, I made one for my doctor's first grandchild as he has been so wonderful to me. They sent me a picture of "Hannah" when she was first born and that is where I started. I recreated (tried too) a doll to look like Hannah! They were thrilled! They took the doll with them shopping and when one of the store owners, saw the doll, next to the real baby....she desired to carry the dolls in her shop!

So, now I am unretired, set to go and am looking forward to my new career! What a blessing this was!

Answer 7

I had never planned on retirement, however, it just kind of sneaked up on me. I decided I didn't like it.

I have many years in Senior Services, Workforce Development and Senior Employment. I finished my education and I'm now several things: 1. Consulting Societal Gerontologist 2. Labor Market Information Specialist 3. Workforce Development Specialist - Aging Services.

I really didn't start this business, people started calling me, on referral from friends. Then one came up to me and asked me if I did this kind of work and wanted to hire me. I guess it must be true that if you're good at what you do, people will know who you are and your reputation proceeds you. I was totally surprised at all of this.

Now, I'm working at home in my pajamas, whenever I want, and loving every minute of it.

Answer 8

I want to live in the country but not be alone all the time. So maybe a small RV park or boat rental business/bait shop that was seasonal so I would have plenty of down time and a nice job with people I wouldn't see again so even if they aren't nice I don't have to deal with them long.

Answer 9

Well, funny you should ask that. The dog groomers place in our area is closing in short while, so I thought about doing it but as a mobile groomer, As I have Old English Sheepdogs and have attended a course on grooming I'm not too bad at it. My grooming table folds flat and the tools will pack in a case it should be ok. I could do it part time, then I would still have time for my own dogs and still have my life.

Answer 10

I'm not working right now, but not retired yet. When I do I'd love to go around to fairs and festivals and have a booth to sell items. I'd enjoy meeting all the different people and traveling a bit.