About two and a half years and $1.5 million later (it cost a whole lot more to launch a website seven years ago than it does now), my friend had enough and walked away. And there I was, almost 65 years old, and in quite a pickle. Employee salaries and office rent to pay, advertisers to satisfy, and a website that wasn’t making enough money to fulfill my obligations. I hadn’t even taken a salary most of the time.
I had a clear choice: Throw in the proverbial towel, or continue to believe in my ability to make FabOverFifty profitable.
I didn’t hesitate. I’d worked harder than ever to launch the site, my FOF ‘sisters’ were enjoying it, and I simply couldn’t walk away. By this time, we were starting to gain momentum, which was encouraging. I’d have to take a risk, and use the money I’d saved to fund the website I now loved. I’ve never leaned on anyone for living expenses, so this wasn’t a minor gamble.
I took the plunge. Month in and month out, I’d make withdrawals from my investments to meet the payroll and other expenses. I only have this one life, and I might as well do what I love, since I’d done that throughout my career, I reasoned. I subsequently had to take out a mortgage, on the apartment I always owned free and clear, so I’d have the cash I needed to keep the business afloat. My credit card bills were higher than ever. It was scary because I’d never been in a position like this before. I stayed up many nights worrying about depleting my savings, but by morning I was again hard at work on FabOverFifty.
Fortunately, a passionate and smart young man came into my life, and into the business, about four years ago, and together we’ve turned the website into a profitable venture. We never sit back on our laurels, however, because the digital world changes from minute to minute, and it’s harder than ever to predict what tomorrow will bring. I guess that’s always been the case, in whatever we do, so we might as well make the most out of today.
Check out Going In Style on Facebook and Twitter, and don’t miss it, starting in theaters next Friday, April 7th. Now, watch the trailer right here!