Unemployed? Or looking to change jobs? Finding work can be challenging. Consider reinventing a new you for a new job, not dependent on an outside paycheck.

If you are among the unemployed, you know how difficult finding work can be, especially if you’re over 50. Some people stay out of work for months, and it’s not because they haven’t tried to get jobs.

If you’re beyond brainstorming with others, making cold calls, or even checking with past employers, it’s time to sit down and think about what you can do to help yourself find work.

Today, thousands of former employees are looking into reinventing themselves and creating a job where they aren’t dependent on an outside paycheck from a company that can lay them off. This may sound scary, but if others can do it, you can, too.

Consider What You Are Good At

The most important thing you will want to do is assess your talents. In other words, what are you good at that could be turned into a business?

Can you bake?

Perhaps you’re the best at baking banana bread or chocolate cake. You could take samples of each around to restaurants and see if you can get an account with them to bake a specific number for a set amount of money every week.

Do you like animals?

Another possibility is something that I would never have thought of if I hadn’t seen it in a pet magazine.

How about starting a poop removal service? Believe it or not, people pay good money to have someone come to their home and clean up their yard or dog run each week, so they don’t have to do it themselves.

Like to drive?

Still another excellent idea, particularly if you live in an area where there are retirement communities or local colleges, is driving for a company such as Uber or Lyft. Both college students and the elderly often need transportation.

Like to shop?

Have you thought about being a shopper? You can once again work for the elderly or busy executives.

What about a cleaning service?

A business that never goes out of fashion is a cleaning service. You may have to start small. However, if you’re quick and efficient and do a great job, word will spread, which could lead to expansion and hiring a few people to work for you.

Do you own a truck?

If you have a truck, you could start a hauling service. Many folks need things picked up and taken somewhere else (the city dump) but don’t have the means of doing it. They will be grateful to pay for someone to come and haul away refuse, lumber, trash, etc., that cannot be picked up the usual way.

You may also enjoy having a delivery service, which can be very lucrative. Of course, you must like to spend a lot of time on the road to do this job. However, there is a definite need for a reasonably priced service such as this.

Do you like teaching? And children?

If you have taught school, you could hire yourself out for tutoring. You can set your own schedule and rates and take as many or as few clients as you wish.

Related: Make Extra Money Teaching Others Your Skills

Are you good with a computer? And details?

An administrative assistance business may be to your liking if you are fast and accurate on the computer. Many services cater to only a few clients who keep them busy enough to earn a good living (for instance, doctors and lawyers).

Or, depending on your tech skills, you might want to look into becoming a virtual assistant or starting an online agency employing other virtual assistants.

Are you a handy man or woman?

People are always looking for someone who can come in and do small jobs, such as hanging pictures, cleaning gutters, putting up or taking down screens, and more.

If you’re not sure how to charge for your services, check out your local competition to see their rates.

Continue the Search

If none of these tips appeal to you, look online for other ideas. Someone said that tough times don’t last, but tough people do. So don’t let unemployment get you down.

You can reinvent yourself, and you just may find yourself happier in the new career you start than you ever were while employed by someone else.

(editor’s note: Please remember to check with your local government to determine what permits and licenses are needed. Also, talk with your insurance agent to see if additional coverages are required.)

Related:

• Reinventing Your Career In Your 50’s or 60’s
• What the Mature, Overqualified Job Seeker Needs to Know To Get a Job
• Could What You Know Make You Money?
• The Best Adult Education Resources

Reviewed March  2023