NEWSLETTER #3
THE WORK ISSUE. All that's good and bad about work :)
Hello There
Welcome to Issue #3. It’s great to have you keep coming back, and I hope the subjects I’m including bring something to your life. And if you’re a new subscriber - even more welcome :)
This issue we’re mainly concentrating on work issues that affect women at this time in their life. Things such as standing up for yourself at work (never easy, regardless of how old you are) to setting up your own business at age 45, 50 or beyond. See below for more details :)
HOW TO STAND UP FOR YOURSELF AT WORK
I recently came across a great article from Forbes. It looks at how women of a certain age are still unfairly treated in the workplace, often very surreptitiously. Written by US based career coach Bonnie Marcus, it does have an American bias, but “what the US does today, the UK does tomorrow”. Although I would argue that on this issue, the UK is probably on a par with the US in terms of gender and age prejudice.
I like how it suggests ways to overcome unfair treatment and how to stand up for yourself. Difficult at times, I know, but Bonnie writes the article from such an empowering aspect. Have a read here
HOW TO SET UP YOUR OWN BUSINESS AFTER AGE 45.
I think I’m right in saying that if you look at the statistics of those setting up their own businesses, one of the biggest demographics of new start ups comes from those over age 50. But at this stage in life becoming an entrepreneur takes a lot of balls. I mean, you’ve had most of your life cosseted by earning a regular wage and being looked after, to some degree, so to throw all that aside and enter into the risky world of entrepreneurism isn’t the easiest option.
So for this reason, in episode 17 of my podcast - 45 Not Out - I decided to interview someone who can help with that. Mark Elliott is the co-founder of the programme Start Up School For Seniors and brings with him oodles of expertise in advising on how start a successful business. As an MBA and a serial entrepreneur himself, Mark is more than well placed to offer guidance and support.
Listen to the episode here
A PLEA FROM ME - USE YOUR VOTE :)
So, as April segways into May one of the main dates on the horizon is the regional elections on the 6th May. In some areas these are massive opportunities for the people to be listened to with voters deciding on who will be their “Metro Mayor”. This is the case for 7 metropolitan areas to include Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region and West Yorkshire. However, for the rest of the country not covered by a metropolitan area, the elections are a lot less low key. Voting is taking place in some areas for local councillors, or like me in Cheshire East, just a vote on the next Police Commissioner. And these elections are going under the radar. This worries me. Turnout at these elections is only predicted to be a measly 25%. And that worries me more.
Why I’m worried is because we could be sleep walking into letting rather stealthy and unsavoury legislation (and councillors) into power. Current media attention is focusing on the bigger (and shall I say “sexier”) elections such as the mayoral votes. And as such attention is placed on the metropolitan areas I’m fearful for what voting apathy in the smaller areas might allow into power. Councillors with less than our best interests at heart coupled with unknown potential Police Commissioners (like we have in Cheshire) seeping into power. And we will be left with the consequences for the next few years.
Don’t let that happen. If, like me, you’re in one of the areas with a small time vote, still make the effort and vote. Cherish it, and ensure you place your “X” where your heart tells you to.
So there we have it - another issue. I hope you found something in there that resonated with you. Like everything I’m doing with the 45 Not Out, it relies on community and people becoming engaged with all that I’m doing. I’m not only producing the podcast and this newsletter, but I’ve started a closed Facebook group that is growing nicely and I’d like you to be part of it, too. I cover subjects that matter to women like us (and men of this age, too). If you’d like to become a member, sign up here .
And if you do enjoy the newsletter and know of someone who would enjoy it too, then please share the love - see the button at the bottom of this piece. Community makes the world go round :)
So that’s it from me for a fortnight. If you want to communicate with me, choose your platform from my LinkTree options here or just send an old school email ( I won’t judge ;) Reach me at unacottrell20@gmail.com :)
Stay safe, well & strong,
Una x