Training and Resources
Thinking Out Loud
Tackling the issues that confront 45+ experienced professionals looking for work or wanting to start a business
New research indicates that it will be all but impossible to turn back the clock on flexible working arrangements. The pandemic has created a preference for a mix of both remote and office-based work. While it will create challenges for employers, it will also open up opportunities to reimagine work.
Compared to many other OECD countries, Australia has fewer older workers in the workforce. Indeed there is often a 'deficit' view of our ageing population as a burden rather than recognising the potential of this under utilised talent pool. Mature-aged entrepreneurs, the fast growing segment of entrepreneurship in the country, are a great example of a strength-based view and we should be doing more to foster this form of workforce participation.
Mature-age professionals often prefer to move to part-time work either as they transition out of the workforce or when they want to start a new business. However, finding good quality part-time jobs that utilise the high level skills and experience of older professionals are rare. As holders of significant corporate knowledge, a lack of attention to this issue by employers seems short-sighted.
Kick starting a job search after a holiday break is never easy. To reinvigorate your search it may be necessary to have a plan and at the top of the list should be working your network
The proliferation of AI or machine learning technologies pose some real concerns for bias including age bias. This bias is often unconsciously built into algorithms. Diversity among people developing algorithms and also in those assessing them for bias are critical to overcoming this problem.
It can be difficult to make a career transition at any age but it is particularly daunting as a mature worker. At the same time, as people get older interests often change and the desire to do something more meaningful or make a different kind of contribution can motivate a move in a new direction. It's important to recognise that it is never too late to find work that you love as long as you are willing to put in the time and effort to understand your transferable skills and how they can benefit you in making a transition.
Book Reviews
Books we love about work, transitions and life long learning
The 100-Year Life is a book about what happens when many people across the world live to 100. So, if you are under 100, it’s a book about you, and how you can plan your life. But it’s also about the society we live in, with strong messages for Government and HR departments about how they view work and ageing…Read more
Mentor, career and business start up consultant, Joanna Maxwell’s book is well worth the read. For those looking to reinvent themselves and change career, or those looking for work after being made redundant this book gives you the tools to discover, map out and realise your goals as a mature-age worker…Read more
There is plenty of information out there about starting a business if you want to troll through the internet. What we love about this E- book is that it brings all the elements together in one place in quite a unique way. Each chapter is based on an interview with an expert in the field of the issue…Read more
E-News
Bringing you the latest in national and international media and commentary on issues of interest
to experienced professionals and SeniorPreneurs
Research
The latest research on the changing face of work and senior entrepreneurship in Australia
Training and Workshops
Together with our partner, Australian Entrepreneurs Alliance, we are running a series of online events. Please invite your friends along to join in these free, informative and fun sessions where we all learn together (yes, us too) about topical things like career change, starting a business, and all things tech