30 Comments
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Paul Docherty's avatar

Great article. Some really good points made. I would say that getting your first gigs on sites like Upwork and Fiverr, is way more difficult than most people like to admit, and can cost you money.

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Jo Barnes's avatar

It’s like any other venture Paul, whether looking for a job on or offline, starting a side hustle, or launching a business. It takes time, focus, effort & persistence. But all roads lead to Rome if you’re willing to put the effort in.

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Arenosa Owen's avatar

Finding this article in my feed is well-timed. At 65, I was just laid off for the first time in my life. I don’t expect to get another full time job at this age, so freelancing is likely to be my new path. Thanks for the great breakdown and encouragement!

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Jo Barnes's avatar

So happy the article found you Arenosa! Sorry to hear about your job. 🙁 But as one door closes, another one opens as my Mother would always say! If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out! ☺️

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Terri Weeding's avatar

I love the 5 day Kickstart! How about pitching your USP in a neighborhood FB group? Our local group allows this one day a week-Business Friday-and a lot of people have found success this way!

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Jo Barnes's avatar

Absolutely that works so well Terri! We do something similar in my 50+ Nomad FB group. It's a great way to get exposure. :)

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Luisa Brimble's avatar

This article is awesome. Breaking it down step by step is so helpful. Thank you.

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Jo Barnes's avatar

Thanks Luisa, glad it's helped :)

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Janice Lam, JLLamPublishing's avatar

This is a great article. Lots of good positive things that older people can do but may be afraid to try. We can learn new things.

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Jo Barnes's avatar

Thanks Janice! Yep it's never too late to learn new skills :)

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Creative AsanteSpace's avatar

Thanks Jo, great broad yet practical advice

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Jo Barnes's avatar

Thank you. Glad it’s helped 😁🙏

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Regina Duke's avatar

Such a practical and empowering roadmap. 🌍

I love how clearly you show that experience itself is a marketable skill—and that it’s never too late to build freedom step by step.<3

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Jo Barnes's avatar

Glad it’s helped Regina! It’s most definitely never too late 😁

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Regina Duke's avatar

Love that reminder, Jo—never too late is the best mantra. 🙌

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KillingTheLede's avatar

This showed up at the right time. Thank you.

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Jo Barnes's avatar

Glad it’s helped! 😁

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KillingTheLede's avatar

I started a website to host a blog, downloaded your workbook and launched Fiverr. All in a day! 😂

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Jo Barnes's avatar

Action taker! Love it! 😎

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Eva dick's avatar

This looks great can’t wait to read it. Thanks 🌸

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Jocelyn Yeoman's avatar

Utterly brilliant. I had no idea these platforms existed. I freelanced for 20-odd years in my local city as a pen for hire, before shifting into governance roles. Out of the loop for 9 years and things changed dramatically. It's fantastic to know people are still looking for these skills. I'll definitely investigate the platforms you've mentioned as I really need some income while developing my wellness program.

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Jo Barnes's avatar

So glad it’s helped Jocelyn! ❤️

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Galina Singer's avatar

Just published this — a raw reflection on the kind of love that looks like devotion, but is really survival.

It’s about the fairytales we inherit, the roles we perform to feel chosen, and what it takes to wake up from it all — and begin again, with ourselves.

If it aligns with your themes, I’d be truly grateful if you considered sharing.

Thank you for helping this reach the right hearts.

🕊️

https://galinasinger.substack.com/p/he-became-my-whole-world-i-adored

Warmly,

Galina

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Teyani Whitman's avatar

This is Wonderful, actionable and uplifting. Thank you.

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Jo Barnes's avatar

Thanks Teyani! :)

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Bryan Discovers World's avatar

Very inspirational, thanks.

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Jo Barnes's avatar

Thanks Bryan, glad it resonated 😁

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Jungle Pyramid Washer's avatar

It all sounds like too much work. I just want to sit on my ass on the couch and stare mindlessly at a TV screen.

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Andy imagines's avatar

“75$ blog post” - really? With AI who would pay even 5$ for a blog post?

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Jo Barnes's avatar

Plenty of people & businesses Andy. That’s cheap! Freelance sites like Writers Access still promote good writers who charge upwards of $.10 a word for well researched, well written articles. Not everyone wants AI written content.

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