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I have had a hypothesis for awhile that the economy is going to see a lot more post-retirement startups. You've got a ton of Boomers who are going to be bored w
by lgregg 8y ago
I have had a hypothesis for awhile that the economy is going to see a lot more post-retirement startups. You've got a ton of Boomers who are going to be bored who are or are about to retire in the next 5 years. I was talking with my mom, she's wondering what she's going to do and I floated the idea of trying to start a business with one of her hobbies. I think she's going to do it when she retires in a few years.
You've got extended lifespans incrementing up with each census, meaning people need to make money to pay for the extension to maintain a quality of life; however, most retirees have their housing locked down and the necessities paid for.
I know several retirees that have done something similar, most go into a consulting role/function helping newer companies since their knowledge and experience is their #1 asset.
- pnathan 8y agoI would agree! I vaguely plan to shift to consulting out my experience and competence at age 60 or so, then do that on a part time basis until I topple over. No sense in vegging at home, and I expect have the time and network at that time to select roles I personally enjoy.
- noonespecial 8y agoMy parents have reached the same conclusion. On a side note, I've had no small amount of schadenfreude watching them run head-long into the regulations they've spent the last 3 decades cramming into every nook and cranny of the economy. They thought it was funny irony when kids got visits from authorities for selling lemonade at the end of the driveway... now they've got a metaphorical truck-full of lemons, a squeezer, and a hefty reality check.
- cityhomesteader 8y ago> I have had a hypothesis for awhile that the economy is going to see a lot more post-retirement startups. I think you are overestimating the economic state of most retirees. Also, startups are risky. Old people do not like risk and venture capital isn't going to throw money at older people nearing the end of their life. > I floated the idea of trying to start a business with one of her hobbies. So self-employment rather than a traditional "startup". > I know several retirees that have done something similar, most go into a consulting role/function helping newer companies since their knowledge and experience is their #1 asset. So taking jobs from younger people? Don't see how good this is for society in general. You shouldn't be allowed to collect a pension/social security/etc and work. Just my opinion.
- crooked-v 8y agoConsulting using 40 years of experience is something that a young person generally won't be able to do.
- cityhomesteader 8y agoBut consulting using your work experience of 10, 20 or 30 years is something that can happen and everyone in the economic rung could rise up 1 spot. Also, your work experience in 1960s/70s isn't so relevant to most anything today. Especially in a technologically driven environment. Besides most of these "consulting" work are government, union or private company jobs where nepotism or corruption plays a big role. I know HN userbase skews very old, but old people "consulting" is just in everyone's way. Like I said, if you want to consult, then don't retire and keeping working. So exploit the system by collecting social security/pensions/etc and screwing over a tons of younger people.
- joejerryronnie 8y agoI don't believe this article is using the same definition of "startup" that PG promotes. The article is really talking about small businesses. In this context, the OP's hypothesis makes more sense.
- paulie_a 8y agoConsulting is not a start up.
- joejerryronnie 8y agoIf you put "blockchain" in your mission statement it is!