Is it now worth taking a chance on your startup?

Although the economy is showing signs of improvement, some in their 50's are still having trouble finding work.  Author, columnist Steve Strauss notes, "While hiring is picking up again, it's not likely boomers are going to get hired. Due to their experience and age, they simply cost employers more to hire, both from a salary and cost-of-benefits perspective."

Some become "reluctant entrepreneurs," others embrace the idea of finally getting a chance to become their own boss.

In an article posted in The Huffington Post, academic, writer and entrepreneur Vivek Wadhawa notes, "When people become middle-aged, they have experience, knowledge, savings -- they just have this fire in the belly to create something, to make it big before they're retired."

Wadhawa makes an interesting point.  Steve Jobs, introduced the iMac, iTunes, iPod, iPhone and iPad all after age 45. When he was young, he got kicked out of Apple. His most important products came with maturity.

Several months ago, I did an interview with Penny Pickett of the Small Business Administration. She discusses the SBA's role and how people in their 50's are becoming entrepreneurs in a big way.