Goodbye!

All things end including this blog.

I hope some of what you've found here has or will help you with your 2nd career quest. Most of all, I wish you happiness and success in whatever you choose to do.

Bill Matthies

Where As Much As What

The best 2nd career areas are those that haven't got what you want to do.

"Silicon Valley's Jobless Unplug From Tech"

Help for 2nd Career Women

A couple of days ago, the post was about government help financing your 2nd career business. If you're a woman, drill down even deeper for assistance just for you.

"Office of Women's Business Ownership Entrepreneurial Development"

Herding Cats

If you're lucky in your 2nd career business, the day will come when others will work for you.

You'd better be ready.

"Manage Employees"

Uncle Sam's Help

Don't expect government stimulus money to start your 2nd career business (and don't even think about bail out money if you're already in trouble), but there is government help to be had.

"Small Business Loans and Grants"

Great Idea But Will It Sell?

There are almost more ways you can fail in your 2nd career business venture than can be listed, and certainly more than we have time for here.

One is definitely marketing so if you don't know much about that, begin to learn.

"Reverse Your Fortunes With Sound Marketing"

Do You Need a Contract?? Yes

If you do decide to have a 2nd career with someone else, get it in writing.

"Partnership Agreements"

(Only one example of many available at no charge on the internet. Do you homework, this is not an endorsement of this one or any other.)

In a Word, Research

This is one woman's advice on how to begin your 2nd career.

Good stuff!

"The Secret to Launching a Successful Second Career"

Maybe a Little Longer . . .

I'm not so sure any advice I can be given in 60 seconds will be worth all that much.

But the point is, if you're contemplating starting a new business as your 2nd career, you can likely benefit from some help.

This is a good place to start.

"60-Second Guide to Finding a Business Mentor"

Franchise as a 2nd Career

I'm personally not a big fan of paying for a franchise but what doesn't work for me may for you.

"Franchise Wire"

Family Business 2nd Careers

Your second career in someone else's family business?

Look closely.

"Working in a Family Business Has Its Ins and Outs"

Better to Think About It Now Rather Than Later

This comes under the heading of making sure you are running to something rather than from something when considering a new career.

That should be number 1 on every one's list of things to do.

"The 10-Step Plan to Career Change"

Second Caeer Structure: There's More Than One

A 2nd career company, but what kind?

"Business Organization"

Second Career Partnerships: Pay Attention to the Details

Most 2nd careers suggest individual effort, but not always.

If yours is to be with someone else, make sure the partnership itself isn't what kills the business.

"Avoid These 7 Partnership Killers"

Here, There, Everywhere!

If your 2nd career will be a new (emphasis on "new" is purposeful) business, don't automatically run out and sign an office lease.

"With Wireless Devices, Telecommuters Cut the Cord"

For Sale, Forewarned

Be careful or your 2nd career dream could easily turn into a nightmare.

"California companies for sale sit on the shelves"

Some Endings Are Beginnings

It helps to know you're not alone (but pay attention to the advice.)

"Making Lemonade: Starting a Business After Ending a Career"

Second Career Success: Location, Location, Location

Where should you start your 2nd career? Where success is assumed rather than where job loss is the norm?

Maybe best to look at the not so obvious; places you never would have assumed would be conducive to a bright, new future.

"$10 Million Fund's Goal: 400 New Companies"

For Sale: 2nd Careers

Looking to buy a business as a second career?

This site is but one advertising businesses for sale.

Take your time looking and as with boats, remember that you're often buying someone else's problems.

"Businesses for Sale"

Second Career Decisions: You May Need Help

Hiring a career coach is a big deal these days, second careers included. Who would have guessed?

But I do think a well qualified, experienced outside view can be helpful.

No endorsement but you might consider one or more of these, or look for others qualified to do this work.

"Find a Certified Career Management Coach"

Free at What Cost?

It's not enough to want to do it, you also have to be able to afford to do it.

"Saving Up for Career No.2"

Looking for the (Right) 2nd Career.

The question ferris11 asks is straightforward enough but as you'll see, not much in replies (none to the specific question) nor any depth in what did come in.

But if you've been reading 2nd Ladder you know there are no easy answers and certainly no "one size fits all", "magic bullet" stuff.

Finding a 2nd career is easy but finding one you'll actually enjoy doing, well that's another matter.

"Can anyone suggest some good resources for choosing a second career?"

The Canadian Advantage

When it comes to 2nd careers, what's up with Canada?

Whether it be private business, education and/or government, they appear to be doing way more to help those interested in 2nd careers than are their US counterparts.

Now who's the entrepreneur, hey?

"Seniors-Time For a Second Career?"

Second Career Education

Maybe your 2nd career will take you back to school. If so, to do what?

Teach or be taught?

"Peer Advice on Need for 2nd Career Degree"

Starting a 2nd Career? Look to the Future

Be wary, very wary, of top 5, top 10, top anything lists, the one below included.

Who made them the arbiter of what is, not to mention what will be?

But in such lists, this one too, there are pearls of wisdom if you take the time to look for them. Just be careful to separate the wheat from the chaff.

"The Ten Top Business Trends for the New Future"

Hmmm. The New Future.

Is there such a thing as the Old Future??

From One Honored Profession to Another

I'm sure this post will offend lap dancers and/or attorneys but if both, I'm not at all certain which more.

"Pole Dancer Starts 2nd Career"

2nd Thoughts About 2nd Careers

"Why am I doing this?", I thought. "I could be home ironing, cleaning toilets. I'm way too old for this stress."

"2nd Career-Grandmother Entrepreneur"

Second Careers: What's for Dinner?

You have to eat what you cook so be careful!

"Second Careers in Food that Failed"

If They Can Do It (They Did) Why Not You?

Maybe the fact that your first career was a real yawner will mean your second won't be.

It does happen.

"Celebrity Second Acts"

Second Career Entrepreneurs: Learn From Those Who've Been Where You Want To Go

Old but still true. Learn from those who've studied 2nd career entrepreneurs.

"Second Career Entrepreneurs"

50+: Your Next Big Thing

If you're 50+ and your second career will be in someone's else's company, this might help.

"Retirementjobs.com"

Paying for Your Second Career

So you know what you want to do but do you know how you'll pay for it?

"How to Finance a Midcareer Move"

Second Careers: The Government Can Help

Don't forget to search, really search, your local government agencies for help founding your second career. There may be more assistance than you assumed.

"Your Second Career Starts Here"

Career Planning: Where Are You in the Cycle?

Start work, work 30 years, quit work.

There is more to our working cycles than begin, do, stop.

"Work Happy Now"

Second (Third, Fourth, etc.) Careers: New Ways to New Days

If your new second, third, fourth, etc. career is to be better than the ones before, shouldn't you be looking for it in different ways??

"Your Next Job Could Be Just a Tweet Away"

What Could Be: Learning From Others

50+ female, divorced, seeking new beginnings.

Money important but not the only motivator. Only 2nd careers that are fulfilling, fun and within my ability, need apply.

Walks on the beach at sunset optional.

"Art + Humor=My Second Career"

What as Well as How Much

Something on this list may be what you would enjoy doing in your second career and if money is important, you can also get an idea how much you can expect to make.

"For Parents Returning to Work - Top 20 Jobs"

Second Careers: What's In It For You?

Careers, 2nd or otherwise, imply making money and in most cases they should.

But not always or only money.

"It's Not the Pay It's the Perks"

You're Only as Young As . . .

Too young for a 2nd career?

I don't think so.

"30 under 30"

You're Only As Old As . . .

Too old for a 2nd career?

I don't think so.

"8 Over 80"

Second Career Advice: Help From Your Peers

Second careers come in many forms; don't let the name fool you.

And listen to what others do every chance you get.

"Self-Employment 101"

Second Career Misinformation

Just as with everything else in life, there is a lot of misinformation regarding 2nd careers that need be sorted through.

What you believe to be true isn't always.

"Seven Myths You Must Challenge Now to Begin Your Second Career Today"

Second Career Humor: Don't Do As I Do/Did

You know, we can all learn from the mistakes of others. Here's a few things you don't want to do in your second career.

"Second Careers for Failed CEO's"

The First Step for Second Careers

Before you can begin your second career in someone else's company, you have to get the job and these days the interview process is nothing like you might recall at the beginning of your first career.

Time to brush up your interview skills.

"Interviewing Techniques"

Second Career Advice: Listen to the Military

Search on things relating to "second careers" and you'll inevitably find a lot related to those ending a military career, about to begin a "second" civilian "career".

That makes sense; most who stay 20 or even 25 years in the armed forces are generally less than 50 when they "retire" with many of those fully intending to begin a second career.

If you're looking for 2nd career advice, don't overlook that addressing the military. It often applies equally well to us all.

"Second Career Planning"

Good Advice and Not Just For Attorneys

"This is the time in your life when you still have choices. It goes by so fast."

Bill Crystal to son's elementary class in "City Slickers"

The above was cited in a blog post by Roy Ginsburg, aimed at attorneys who are or should be thinking about second careers.

Good advice as is the rest of the post, and not just for lawyers.

"Creating a Satisfying "Second Act" in Your Legal Career"

Successful 2nd Careers All Have to Begin Somewhere

Many successful second careers humbly begin as little more than a way to make a few bucks while looking for the "real job."

Regardless of your gender or age, don't rule anything out.

"Avon, Mary Kay Ranks Boom as Second Job Option"

What You Do While You Look

Looking for a job is a full time job but still there is time to do other things, some of which may be to help others even less fortunate than you.

"Law Opens Up "Encore" Careers"

Second Career v. Job: The Difference Matters

On second thought, maybe a second job rather than a second career would be best.

"Choosing a Second Job For Your Second Career"

Second But Bigger?

How big a deal do you want your 2nd career to be?

While you may not need it to, it could potentially dwarf your first.

Take a look at one couple's odyssey from (relatively) big stars to absolute big business. You can do the same.

"How We Did It"