Devoted to small businesses and those who run them

Retirement doesn't have to mean the end of the road for executives.  Though not everyone spends twenty or thirty years with one company like my grandfather did at New York Life Insurance, it's still common for execs to end a lengthy career with a nice big bang of a retirement shindig then head off into the sunset.

It doesn't have to be all shuffleboard and bingo, however.  If you're nearing retirement and wondering what will come next, you might consider starting your own business or investigating franchise opportunities.  Don't put all that corporate experience up on a shelf and let it go to waste!

Keep in mind, however, that there's always something new to learn.  Being accustomed to dealing with boards and fellow executives, while overseeing a staff of any size, means you have plenty of decision-making skills.  On the flip side, though, you may find yourself a bit under prepared when it comes to hands-on, day-to-day operations of a small or home-based business.  As business veterans mentioned in this article over at MSNBC (courtesy of Entrepreneur.com), even seasoned execs can benefit from the resources offered by colleges and organizations such as the SBA.  Get out there, share your skills, and take advantage of all of the opportunities to learn new ones too!