Starting your own business after retirement: Leslie’s story

Many people think about retiring in their mid-sixties. But Leslie, 71, was enjoying being a local taxi driver. The work was flexible, gave him independence and saw him meet different faces every day. So, when a sleep apnoea diagnosis meant he was no longer able to drive on medical grounds, Leslie found himself unexpectedly out of work.

With no job to go to, a meagre pension to live on and increasing feelings of depression to manage, Leslie referred himself to Connect to Work Great Yarmouth.

He was quickly matched to an employment specialist and started to look for part-time work. He was keen to find a job that he could do two or three days a week, but it was challenging to find a local opportunity that suited what Leslie needed.

With the help of his employment specialist, Del Sullivan, Leslie began to think about self-employment. He’d be able to have the freedom and flexibility he was used to, and have more control over what he earned. He started to think about his skills and different options for the future, including his experience in DIY. His employment specialist encouraged him to start his own handyman business in the area – and Leslie jumped at the opportunity.

Now, Leslie’s feeling confident about his work, and able to do the hours and days that suit him. Better yet, he’s still very much part of his community, and enjoys going out and helping people build, fix and improve their homes. He’s even got a stack of business cards that help put his services in the best light.
Ultimately, Leslie’s story is a powerful reminder that new opportunities can come at any age and any stage of your career. He may not be taxiing local people anymore, but he’s still firmly in the driving seat of a flexible and rewarding role.

As Leslie says: “This has changed me. I am not depressed any more. I am happy to get up every day and go to work.”

Find out more about our Connect to Work programme in Norfolk, and don’t forget to read our other good news stories.