The Small Business Optimism Index is out (http://www.nfib.com/page/sbet), and the news is not very good.  But as with most news these days, the negative is brightened by some positive.  While plans to increase employment and inventory are down, current job openings and the belief that now is a good time to expand are up.  A large percentage don't expect the economy to improve anytime soon, but a not-much-smaller percentage plan to increase capital outlays.

You may believe that starting a business is risky, and so it is.  But is it more risky that putting your faith in a job that may or may not be safe?  Personally, I'd rather have more control of my destiny than most employees have these days.  Even if you have a job, now is a good time to prepare for maybe not having one.  What will you do if you're one of the unlucky "pink slip" recipients?  Or if you were planning to retire soon and have seen your investments crumble? 

Many of us will have to rethink our retirement plans.  Why not start now?  The Boomer generation isn't one to sit on its laurels and fade gently into the night.  Even if some of us can retire, we may choose not to.  But a lot of us really don't want to keep doing what we're doing and entrusting our livelihood in the hands of an employer.  As we age, it's less likely that should we lose our jobs we can find another.  So creating our own means of earning income becomes not only an attractive option, but sometimes the only one.

Wouldn't you love to do something meaningful with the later years of your life?  What is the legacy that you'll leave behind?  Start defining your own rules and see where that leads you.  You may be surprised how optimistic you'll become.

If you're ready to define your own rules and play your own game, a Creative Career Consultation may be for you.  Learn how to analyze opportunities in the context of your ideal life and awaken to the possibilities to create income streams from your passions and interests.  Contact me at kate@inspiration4success.com to make an appointment, or go to www.inspiration4success.com for more information and to subscribe to my free Inspiration4Success e-zine.