"I have looked at retirement businesses that capitalize on the qualities you," says Reid. "As a mature person, bring to the table: great people skills, resilience, experience -- life and work -- and a perspective that only comes with years."



He adds that he recommends these retirement business opportunities because:

• You can launch them while you still hold your day jobs, in the evening or on the weekend


• You can begin from a home office which means low overhead


• None demands years of training, in fact, you might be able to leverage your past business experience or build on a hobby or a vocation


• Lots of flexibility about how and when you work –and that is certainly one of the most desired qualities for retirement businesses

1. Coach (Life, Executive, Transition, Career)
As you may know, coaching is a partnership between a client and a trained professional, to identify and work toward the client's goals. The career of coaching is attractive for the simple reason that all your previous education and work experience is applicable to coaching your clients. For example, if you've been an executive yourself, you bring a perspective to your coaching that other executives would find attractive. Similarly, if your background is in the arts, you are likely to attract others who share your experience. Your previous work environment may also provide you with a client base, at least when you are starting out.

2. Freelance Commercial Writer
If you enjoy writing and can think strategically, you could be ready to launch yourself in a career that offers a great lifestyle and the chance to earn an excellent income . "Given the vast array and volume of commercial work out there, for many, it’s simply a matter of re-directing past career experience into a profitable writing direction

3. Motivational Speaker
Do you love to encourage people to achieve their potential? Do you enjoy speaking before an audience? Put these together and you could have what it takes to be a motivation speaker. Master the art of speaking -- both getting over the anxiety of public speaking and honing your favorite topics -- by joining your local chapter of Toastmasters International.

4.Virtual Assistants (VAs)
A small business-to-business service that is growing by leaps and bounds, virtual assistants provide administrative support and other specialized services 'virtually' via fax, phone, computer and the Internet.

5. Internet Business Owner
The web provides a wealth of opportunities for tech-savvy seniors and with the right strategy can be a lucrative option to consider.

6. Part-Time Lecturer
With years of experience under your belt and having amassed significant credentials, lecturing part-time can prove to be a viable income earner

amitabh.sharma@gleanerjm.com