Ten years ago, you could realistically think about retiring when you turned 55. You’d pack up the Winnebago and travel around Australia, living the dream.
But now, thanks to events such as the Global Financial Crisis, the boom is over for baby boomers now reaching that age.
A 2011 study of retirement intentions by the Australian Bureau of Statistics found the average age of retirement for those who left work in the previous five years was 61.4. And 13 per cent of those surveyed aged 45-plus said they thought they’d never retire.
According to the 2011 RaboDirect National Savings and Debt Barometer (NSDB), 25% of baby boomers have little or no savings, and simply are not financially prepared for retirement.
It is a well-known fact that once you are over 55, employment opportunities are limited.
But all does not have to be lost.
Franchising provides you with an opportunity of being trained and supported in a new field and the independence of being self-employed.
Aussie Pooch Mobile Dog Wash and Care is a franchised company that embraces older workers. In fact, at least 1/3 of its franchisees are over 55.
“The older generation brings many benefits to a working environment such as adaptability, commitment and loyalty,†says Aussie Pooch Mobile founder, Chris Taylor.
Take 65-year-old John Fyfe John who purchased his franchise in 2011 after a 46-year career in high-level management. He retired at 63, but decided he needed to, and wanted to, continue working.
“In my working career I enjoyed a senior position for over 38 years with Westpac, was General Manger Qld & NT for the Australian Institute of Management, worked as Executive Manager for the Surf Lifesaving Foundation before retiring at 63.
“I knew I wanted to continue working for several reasons, but was unsure what I wanted to do. I wanted to try something different so I decided on a complete change of direction and in 2011 joined the Aussie Pooch Mobile Dog Wash and Care team, washing dogs!
“I am thoroughly enjoying what I’m doing. I’m my own boss, running my own business. My office is my trailer, which is outdoors, where I love being. I really enjoy the relationships I have developed with my clients and especially the dogs.
“The income is of course, very handy, when you consider the current economic environment for investments. The return on my investment is at least 10 times better than a bank term deposit.
“I intend to keep working whilst I am still physically able, and this role has me the fittest I have been for years. I would wholeheartedly recommend a franchising role with Aussie Pooch Mobile Dog Wash and Care for us ‘baby boomers’. I feel a lot of clients are comfortable with a mature stable operator.â€
Carol Garratty, 64 is another baby boomer that owns a franchise.
“I started with Aussie Pooch Mobile as a representative in 2009 and I purchased the franchise in April 2010.
“Before starting with Aussie Pooch Mobile I worked for a 4WD company as their cook on Tagalong Tours and before and after the tourist seasons I worked in their admin office. All my working life had been in admin. I left this job as the work was slowing down and they closed the business.
“At 61 I was then faced with a dilemma. I did not want to work in admin any longer, but had no idea what I could do differently. I’d always loved dogs and at the right time in my life, I came across Aussie Pooch Mobile franchise and decided I would give it a go.
“It was scary at first as it was completely different. But the support I received was terrific. I loved the job from the minute I started. Not only am I now financially independent, and my own boss, working with the dogs gives me such a boost.
“I would absolutely recommend working for Aussie Pooch Mobile, especially if you older or returning to the workforce and want a complete and rewarding change in your life.
“One day I’d like to get an RV and travel around Australia, but I don’t know if I could leave my dogs. They are like family to me now.â€
It’s evident changes need to be made and jobs for over 55s need to be more available. If not, people are not going to have enough money to retire on and see them through for the rest of their lives, especially as we are living longer and longer.
Aussie Pooch Mobile Dog Wash and Care has openings for franchisees Australia wide. It doesn’t matter if you have no experience hydrobathing dogs as you will be fully trained and be supported the whole way.
“Many of us have always dreamed of being our own boss, self-employment can bring financial and lifestyle rewards – along with enormous personal satisfaction,†says Chris.
 “The older generation can embrace the opportunity of becoming self-employed now that their kids have grown and they are back to considering what they want, not what the family needs.
“Franchising allows people be trained in a new field and have the back up and support of a team of experts with proven experience. Coupled with their lifetime skills and attitude to succeed Aussie Pooch Mobile is poised to support the over 55’s in their new career.â€
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