Challenges of older self-employed workers in creative industries: The case of the Netherlands

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the challenges of older self-employed workers in the creative industries and ways of dealing with these challenges. This is important in the light of the aging population and the increase in entrepreneurship among older workers.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 43 older self-employed creatives in the Netherlands were interviewed by telephone. Once the data were transcribed, content analysis was conducted.

Findings

The findings reveal that older self-employed creatives are often forced into self-employment, experiencing a vicious circle that pushes them away from the creative industries. They have to deal with multiple identities. Successful older self-employed creatives dealt with these challenges by creating synergies between their identities, focussing on their strengths and using their existing networks. They also stressed the transferability of their skills and knowledge.

Research limitations/implications

Older self-employed creatives have to deal with some specific challenges. Although these challenges are difficult to deal with, some successful strategies emerged.

Originality/value

Older self-employed creatives are an under-researched group of workers. Other industries can learn from the success stories of older entrepreneurs in the creative industries.

Citation

Hennekam, S. (2015), "Challenges of older self-employed workers in creative industries: The case of the Netherlands", Management Decision, Vol. 53 No. 4, pp. 876-891. https://doi.org/10.1108/MD-03-2014-0136