As Oscar Wilde once said, I am not young enough to know everything.

Women are bombarded with serums, creams, injections, habits and daily routines that all promise to defy age. Whatever you buy into, contracting is most definitely one area where age is not just a number but an advantage.

We have older clients who have seamlessly transitioned into contracting after decades in their industries, such as finance, IT, project management and logistics. In fact, we have seen professionals with proven experience in an industry being snapped up for project work in major corporations. While a younger crew can be trained and moulded by the organisation, it’s better to leave the navigation to a trained and experienced hand.

As captains of industry, women can have it all – independence, flexibility and with a longer life expectancy, women will need to consider their financial future (i.e. retirement planning). Ireland will have one of the highest State pension ages in the world by 2028, when the State retirement age will be 68. I don’t know about you, but I do not plan to be working full time until I retire.

Jimmy Sheehan (Managing Director of Contracting PLUS), also highlighted some additional benefits in a previous post:

Apart from the choice and freedom that contracting affords all independent professionals, there are other reasons an over 55 would opt to contract. For a business owner, there are tax advantages to selling their business between the ages of 55 and 60, and yet it can be important for the new owner to retain their skills and intrinsic link to the business or brand identity.

Retirees can start to build a business that they might want to get their children involved in at some point. Contracting is a great means to test the market and build contacts and a client base; and having a limited company structure can be a smart way for a contractor to start.

Contracting is a great way to continue your passion well into the future and ensure you are rewarded for your expertise rather than being penalised for it.

Whatever age you are, contracting can be a great way to work. Get in touch with our team who can help you weigh up the pros and cons.

As a parting word on age, I thought I would give the infamous Sophia Loren the final word on ageing…

There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.

Here to support your future success

If you are interested in joining the hundreds of female contractors, but you’re not sure where to start, talk to us. We have been supporting contractors for over 20 years, ensuring you maximise the money you make, letting you focus on what you do best! Schedule a call with our team at a time and date that suits you.

We hope you’ll join our community of female contractors Women in Contracting LinkedIn Group here*. We hope you will find it helpful.

*This is a community for women or people who identify as female. Please note, where we reference women or females, we include people who identify as female.