So, let me ask you something: Have you ever felt like there’s more to life than what you’re doing right now? Maybe you’ve been in the same job for years, you’ve built a solid career, but deep down, you know there’s something else calling your name—something that lights you up.
But—you’re over 40, and the idea of starting over sounds… terrifying. You might be thinking, ‘Isn’t it too late for me to start a business? What if I fail? What if I don’t have enough time to figure this out?’
Well, let me stop you right there because, honestly, there’s no better time than right now to build the business you’ve always dreamed of. In fact, starting a business in your 40s (or even beyond) could be one of the smartest moves you’ll ever make. Why? Because you’re bringing something that no 20- or 30-something entrepreneur can—experience. You’ve spent decades building up skills, navigating challenges, and mastering your craft, and that is your secret weapon.
But I get it. The challenges are real. There’s the fear of leaving behind a steady paycheck, learning new technology, balancing your family and work life, and of course, the nagging thought that you’re ‘too old’ to compete with younger entrepreneurs. Trust me, I’ve been there.
But here’s what I want you to know—those challenges don’t mean you’re not cut out for this. In fact, they’re the exact reason why you should take the leap now. You have more tools, more knowledge, and more grit than you did in your 20s, and that’s exactly what’s going to make you a powerhouse as a midlife entrepreneur.
In this episode…
So, in today’s episode, we’re going to dive into why now—right now—is the perfect time to start building your dream business. We’ll talk about the advantages you have as a midlife entrepreneur, how to overcome the common fears and challenges, and why your life experience is your biggest asset. I’m excited you’re here—let’s dive in…
Today, I talked about:
[3:11] My personal story of ‘changing lanes’
[7:50] The top 5 reasons you need to start your business today
[8:21] Secure your financial future and retirement
[9:01] Don’t live until retirement to live the life you love
[9:36] It’s easier to start a business today than ever before
[10:46] Start part-time
[11:56] Tap into your Roladex to kickstart your business
[13:34] Take the Entrepreneurial Matchmaker Quiz
[14:13] Fears that may hold you back
[14:35] Fear of financial stability
[15:52] Fear of failure
[17:23] Fear of not having enough time (or wasting time)
[18:57] The one shortcut in business
[20:08] Fear of not being good enough
[21:45] Fear of technology
[23:37] The perfect time to start a business
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Take the Entrepreneurial Matchmaker Quiz
- Become an Extraordinary Entrepreneur Member
- EP1: 8 Online Businesses That Can Help You Quit Your Job
- EP2: How to Set Yourself Up for Financial Success Before You Leave Your Job
Podcast Transcript
So, here’s the thing—I’m turning 50 this year. And while I’ve been an entrepreneur pretty much my entire life, I’ve got to be honest with you, the last couple of years have left me feeling really unsettled. Maybe it’s menopause, maybe it’s the big 5-0 creeping up on me, or maybe it’s just one of those seasons of life where everything feels like it’s shifting. But whatever the reason, I knew I wanted to make some changes. Can I be completely honest? I had this recording going off in my head almost constantly—telling me things like, ‘You’re too old to be starting over. Are you crazy? What if it doesn’t work this time?’ And let me tell you, that kind of internal dialogue wasn’t doing my mental health any favors.
One night, I went to bed with that all-too-familiar feeling that I was on the verge of an anxiety attack. I managed to pray my way through it and finally gave all those worries over to God just so I could sleep. And then, the next morning, something happened. The second I opened my eyes, it was like God spoke to me—almost audibly. He said, ‘You’re not starting over—you’re changing lanes.’
And let me tell you, I can’t even describe the peace that washed over me. I wasn’t starting over. I wasn’t starting from scratch. I was simply changing lanes! And that completely changed how I looked at my next steps. Changing lanes means taking all the experience, lessons, and hard-earned knowledge from the last 30-plus years and applying them to something new, but with a whole lot more wisdom this time around. It’s about moving into a new season with intention, without losing any of the momentum you’ve built over a lifetime.
And here’s the thing—I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. If you’re listening right now, chances are you’re in a similar position. You’ve got a lifetime of knowledge, experience, and expertise that you’ve worked hard to build, and maybe, like me, you’re feeling that pull for something different. Maybe you’re questioning whether now is the right time or if it’s too late to start something new. But let me tell you—it’s not about starting over, it’s about taking everything you’ve learned up to this point and applying it to a new direction.
You’ve got years of experience under your belt, whether it’s in your career, your personal life, or your passions, and that gives you a huge advantage. Your age isn’t a limitation—it’s your secret weapon. You know how to navigate challenges, make decisions, and build relationships in a way that only comes with time and experience. That’s a massive asset to any business you start. So, if you’re feeling like the clock is ticking, I’m here to remind you that this is exactly the right time to build your dream business, and you’re bringing everything you need to the table.
Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone
But here’s something else I want to be honest about—even when we’re changing lanes, bringing all that experience and knowledge with us, there’s a good chance we’ll still need to step outside our comfort zone in some areas. And guess what? That’s completely okay.
Just because you’ve spent years mastering certain skills doesn’t mean there won’t be new challenges in this next chapter. You might need to learn new technology, embrace new ways of marketing, or even face different fears that come with trying something fresh. But the beauty of where we are now is that we know how to navigate discomfort—we’ve done it before, and we can do it again.
It’s not about having everything figured out; it’s about being willing to stretch, grow, and adapt. After all, stepping outside your comfort zone is where the magic happens—but, you already know that. So, if there’s something in this new lane that feels unfamiliar or a little scary, don’t let that stop you. You’re equipped with everything you need, and you’ve proven to yourself time and time again that you can handle whatever comes your way.
Now that we’ve talked about changing lanes and stepping outside our comfort zone, let’s get into the good stuff—the top 5 reasons you need to start your business today. Because whether you realize it or not, there are so many reasons why now is the perfect time to take the leap and turn your dreams into reality.
And once we walk through those reasons, we’re going to wrap up by addressing some of the common fears that might be holding you back. I know firsthand how those fears can creep in, and we’re not going to let them get in your way.
The Top 5 Reasons To Start Your Dream Business Today
Alright, let’s dive into the top 5 reasons why today is the perfect time to start building your dream business.
1. The Next 5-15 Years Are Critical for Your Financial Future This one is big—if you’re over 40, the next 5 to 20 years are crucial when it comes to earning power and setting yourself up for retirement.
Let me hit you with a stat: Nearly 50% of Americans have little to no retirement savings, and many either never retire or retire in poverty. If you want to retire on your own terms (or even have the option to retire), now’s the time to put the pedal to the metal. Having your own business allows you to increase your earning potential far beyond what you’d make in a traditional job, and that could be the key to securing your financial future.
2. Don’t Wait Until Retirement to Live the Life You Love So many people think they have to wait until retirement to finally live the life they want, but I’m here to tell you that’s just not true. One of the things I love most about being a freedom entrepreneur is that I get to live that life now. For me, that looks like working just 4 days a week, having the flexibility to work from home or anywhere I can get Wi-Fi, and building a business that fits into my life, not the other way around.
3. It’s Easier to Start a Business Today Than Ever Before
One of the most exciting things about starting a business today is just how easy it is compared to even a few years ago. With all the tools, platforms, and resources available online, you don’t need a ton of capital or a big team to get started. Whether it’s launching a website, setting up an online store, or building a social media presence, there are so many user-friendly tools at your fingertips that make the process faster and simpler than ever before.
Plus, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. There are proven online business models that can help you get started quickly and efficiently. If you need some inspiration, check out Episode 1 of the podcast, where I walk you through 8 online businesses that can help you quit your job. You’ll be surprised at how many options there are that don’t require a huge upfront investment.
So, if you’ve been hesitating because you think starting a business is complicated, I’m here to tell you that it’s never been easier to take the leap.
4. You Can Keep Your Job and Start Part-Time
One of the biggest misconceptions about starting a business is that you have to quit your job and dive in full-time from day one. But that’s simply not true. In fact, one of the smartest ways to get started is to keep your current job while you build your business on the side. This gives you financial stability and takes some of the pressure off while you test the waters, figure out what works, and start gaining traction.
By starting part-time, you can gradually build your income, refine your offers, and grow your client base—all while still having the security of your paycheck. Plus, it allows you to make mistakes, pivot, and learn without risking your financial stability. When the time is right, you can transition into your business full-time with confidence, knowing you’ve already laid a strong foundation.
So, if you’ve been worried about how to manage the leap, don’t let that hold you back. Starting part-time is not only possible—it’s probably the best way to ensure long-term success.
5. You’ve Already Laid the Groundwork for Success
Let’s be real—you’ve spent years, maybe even decades, building relationships, fostering connections, and establishing your reputation. You know what that means? You likely already have a rolodex of contacts that can help kickstart your business. Yes, I’m bringing back the old-school term, but if you’re over 40, you know exactly what I’m talking about!
Whether it’s colleagues from past jobs, clients you’ve worked with, or people in your professional network, these relationships are gold when it comes to landing your first clients. One of the reasons I often guide new entrepreneurs toward coaching or consulting businesses is because they’re so easy to start—you can literally begin tomorrow. All it takes is reaching out to someone in your network and saying, ‘Hey, I’ve decided to do some coaching on my own, and I think you might benefit from the work I’m doing. Let’s chat!’
You don’t need a fancy website or a huge marketing campaign to get started. Chances are, you’ve already laid the groundwork for a successful business without even realizing it. The trust, connections, and credibility you’ve built over the years are going to give you a head start that younger entrepreneurs would kill for. So, don’t overlook the power of your existing relationships—they could be the key to getting your business off the ground faster than you ever imagined.
Content Upgrade
Before we dive into the fears that might be holding you back, I want to give you something that will help you take the next step with confidence. If you’re ready to start your dream business but aren’t quite sure which business model is the best fit for you, I’ve got you covered! Head over to https://mistykortes.com/matchmaker-quiz/ and take my free quiz. In just a few minutes, you’ll discover the business model that aligns perfectly with your personality, experience, and the lifestyle you want to create. It’s a fun way to gain clarity and take that first step toward your entrepreneurial journey. Go ahead, check it out!
Fears That Might Prevent You From Becoming An Entrepreneur And Starting Your Business
Now, let’s address the things that might keep you from taking the leap into entrepreneurship—those fears that can creep in and make you doubt yourself and hesitate.
First of all, it’s totally normal to feel a mix of excitement and fear when you’re thinking about starting a business, but if we don’t address those fears, they can keep you stuck.
So, let’s dive into the first (and probably the biggest) fear: financial security.
It’s completely valid to be concerned about your financial stability, especially if you’ve hit a point in your career where you feel comfortable. You’ve got a steady paycheck, benefits, and you know exactly what’s coming in each month. But here’s the hard truth—if you did the math, you’d probably see that you’re nowhere near where you need to be for retirement. In fact, most people over 40 find they don’t have nearly enough saved to retire comfortably.
The good news? You don’t have to put everything at risk to start your business. You can keep your job and start your business part-time, allowing you to earn extra income without sacrificing your financial stability. This is a low-risk way to test the waters and build up your safety net before making the full leap. Plus, if financial security is a major concern, make sure to check out Episode 2, where I talk all about how to set yourself up for financial success before you leave your job. That episode is packed with strategies to help you transition smoothly without risking your finances.
Fear #2 – Fear of Failure
This one’s huge and something every entrepreneur faces at some point. The thought of putting yourself out there, starting a business, and it not working out—it’s enough to stop many people before they even start. I get it. Failure is a real possibility, and no one likes the idea of pouring their time, energy, and money into something that might not succeed.
But here’s the thing—failure is not the end of the road; it’s a stepping stone. In fact, most successful entrepreneurs have failed multiple times before hitting their stride. Each failure is a chance to learn, grow, and refine your approach. When you’re starting your own business, especially if you’re doing it part-time while still working, you have the flexibility to test ideas and pivot when something doesn’t go as planned. This makes the risk much more manageable.
The key to overcoming the fear of failure is to reframe it—think of failure as feedback. Each misstep teaches you what works and what doesn’t, so you can keep improving. The only true failure is never trying at all. You’ve got the skills, the experience, and now the opportunity to take a calculated risk and build something extraordinary. Don’t let the fear of failure hold you back from what could be your greatest success.
Fear #3 – Fear of Not Having Enough Time or Wasting Time
Another big one I hear is the fear of not having enough time to figure everything out or worrying that you’ll end up wasting time on something that doesn’t work. And I get it—especially if you’re already juggling a career, family, and everything else life throws your way. The idea of adding a business to the mix can feel overwhelming. You might be thinking, ‘What if I spend all this time trying to build my business, and it doesn’t go anywhere?’
Here’s the thing—first of all, building a business doesn’t mean you need endless hours of free time. It’s about working smarter, not harder. Even if you can only dedicate a few hours a week, that time can be incredibly productive when you’re focusing on the right actions. The beauty of starting part-time is that you can take it step by step, without rushing or feeling like you’re sacrificing too much. And remember, any time spent building your dream business is never wasted. You’re investing in yourself and your future freedom.
And let’s be real—time is going to pass by anyway. You can spend it or invest it. Spending time is sitting in front of the TV, scrolling social media, or staying stuck in a routine that doesn’t light you up. But when you invest your time, even just a few hours a week, you’re building something that will pay off in the long run. You’re creating an asset, a business that could eventually give you the freedom and flexibility you’ve been craving.
Now—if there’s one shortcut in business, it’s working with people who’ve already done what you want to do. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own, and that’s why I created the Extraordinary Entrepreneurs community. Inside the community, we don’t just teach you strategies; we walk you through step-by-step how to implement them. This is where the magic happens—because instead of spending thousands of hours figuring things out by trial and error, we help you cut through the noise, avoid the common pitfalls, and move forward with confidence.
So, if you’ve been feeling like you don’t have enough time, remember—you’re not alone in this journey unless you choose to be. By surrounding yourself with the right people, systems, and support, you’ll be amazed at how much time you’ll save while building your business. And inside Extraordinary Entrepreneurs, you’ll have the exact roadmap and resources you need to make it happen without wasting time on things that don’t move the needle.
Head over to https://mistykortes.com/community/ to learn how to become a member.
Ok, Fear #4 – Fear of Not Being ‘Good Enough’ or Qualified Enough
This is a common fear, especially for new entrepreneurs, and it often comes in the form of imposter syndrome. You might be thinking, ‘Who am I to start a business? I’m not an expert,’ or ‘There are so many people out there who know more than I do—why would anyone choose me?’
But here’s the thing—your unique experience, perspective, and voice are exactly what make you valuable. You don’t have to know everything or be perfect to start. In fact, most successful entrepreneurs don’t start out as experts—they become experts by getting started. Plus, the truth is, you only need to be a few steps ahead of your ideal client to provide them with immense value.
Another key point? People don’t just buy your product or service—they buy you. They connect with your story, your approach, and your way of solving problems. So, instead of worrying about whether you’re ‘good enough,’ focus on what you can offer—because it’s probably more than you realize.
And if you’re still doubting your qualifications, remember that every business is a learning process. You’re constantly growing, evolving, and gaining more expertise along the way. So don’t let the fear of not being ‘enough’ stop you from sharing what you do have—because someone out there needs it.
Fear #5 – Fear of Technology or New Skills
Remember when we talked about stepping outside your comfort zone? Well, for many, this is where that discomfort shows up—technology and learning new skills. The thought of navigating online tools, setting up a website, or figuring out social media might feel overwhelming, and that’s totally normal. But let me challenge you to think about a time when you didn’t know how to do something. Maybe it was learning to garden, using a smartphone for the first time, or even mastering a new skill at work. You didn’t know how at first, but you tried, and you learned. That’s exactly what you’ll need to do here.
Technology may feel intimidating, but you don’t have to know everything from the start. You can learn as you go. And just like you’ve done with other skills in the past, you’ll get the hang of it the more you use it. You’re more adaptable than you think, and with a bit of patience and practice, you’ll surprise yourself.
So yes, this might be the area that makes you uncomfortable, but I promise you, it’s not as hard as it seems. Stepping outside your comfort zone is where growth happens, and before you know it, you’ll be confidently navigating all the tech that comes with building your business.
Wrapping Up
As we wrap up this episode, I want you to take a moment to reflect. We’ve touched on some of the biggest fears that can hold you back from starting your own business—whether it’s concerns about financial security, fear of failure, not having enough time, or feeling like you don’t know enough. And believe me, those fears are valid. But here’s something important to recognize: when you find yourself saying, ‘the timing isn’t right,’ that’s often your fear talking.
The reality is—there’s never going to be a perfect time to start a business. Life will always be busy. There will always be doubts. But waiting for the ‘right’ time is just another way of staying in your comfort zone. The truth is, you already have everything you need to start. You’ve got the experience, the skills, and now you’ve got the knowledge to take that first step. Don’t let fear or the illusion of bad timing hold you back.
I encourage you to start today. Even if it’s something small—send that email, schedule that first meeting, take that first step. Because the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll be on your way to creating the business and life you’ve been dreaming of. You’ve got this, and you don’t have to do it alone.
The best place to start is by becoming a member of the Extraordinary Entrepreneurs community. Inside, I’ll help guide you step-by-step as you build your business, and you’ll be surrounded by a supportive group of like-minded entrepreneurs on the same journey. You’ll have access to the resources, strategies, and encouragement you need to take action and grow with confidence. Head to https://mistykortes.com/community/ to join, and let’s get started on building your dream business together.
And that’s it for today. Thanks for tuning in and allowing me to be part of your journey to building an extraordinary life.