The Numbers Don’t Lie: Why GenX is the Perfect Age to Escape

Hey there! Thanks for stopping by. I am on a mission to help 10,000 GenX corporate professionals escape the box of the 9-5 grind. Each week I will share news, strategies and tactics to help you take control, find balance and NOT sacrifice your income. Links at the bottom for free resource

?? ALERT: We have launched a Free Slack community (150? members in less than 4 weeks!!) for recent escapee & those that are escapee curious: The Escapee Collective? We hope to see you there!

Two Common Misconceptions

People assume that entrepreneurship only applies to building the next Google or opening a traditional business. The fact that 85% of the 16 Million businesses that GenXers have started have zero employees should put that myth to rest.?

The second misconception is entrepreneurship is a young person's game.? The evidence pulled from rigorous studies by leading institutions like MIT, Northwestern, Wharton, and the U.S. Census Bureau paints a clear picture: the ideal entrepreneur's age is not as young as people? think.

A Closer Look at the Data

The stereotype of the young entrepreneur, fresh out of college with a disruptive idea, does not hold up. The data reveals that the average age of founders in the U.S. is 42.

This demographic insight shatters the myth of entrepreneurship as a domain exclusive to the young, highlighting the value of experience and maturity in founding successful ventures.

Experience Equals Success

Perhaps the most striking finding from the research is the correlation between age and entrepreneurial success. A founder at 50 is twice as likely to achieve significant success compared to their 30-year-old counterpart.

This statistic is a validation to the depth of knowledge, networks, and skills that Gen Xers have cultivated over their careers.?

GenX: Primed for Entrepreneurship

Generation X, with its unique positioning between the analog and digital eras, is the perfect blend of adaptability, technological savvy, and business acumen that is ideally suited for going solo.

This generation has weathered economic upheavals and witnessed firsthand the transformation of the workplace and industries. With a solid professional foundation and often more financial stability than their younger counterparts, Gen Xers are in a prime position to pursue a new venture.

The Shift to Solo

The growing trend towards consulting, freelancing, and advisory roles offers a natural transition for Gen X professionals contemplating an escape from corporate life. These roles not only provide a pathway to leverage their extensive experience but also offer the autonomy and flexibility that are highly valued by this demographic.

Whether it’s guiding SMEs as a fractional executive, offering consulting services, or shaping companies as an advisor, Gen Xers are finding fulfilling and impactful ways to redefine their careers on their own terms.

The Bottom Line

The data is clear: GenX is at the perfect age to embark on an entrepreneurial journey, solo or otherwise. With a wealth of experience, a robust professional network, and a mature perspective on risk and opportunity, this generation is poised to lead the next wave of successful ventures.

The transition from corporate roles to entrepreneurship is not just desirable but, as the numbers show, aligns with a higher likelihood of success

Free Resources

The Escapee Collective: A free Slack community for folks the escapee curious as well as recent escapees

The Corporate Escapee Podcast: Helping GenXers find their “What’s Next”!

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