I went from owning a business to working on construction sites at 40

After reading a story from another reader about giving up on starting a business as he approached his 50s, I felt compelled to share my own journey. Like him, I faced a challenging period, but I managed to overcome it.

At 40, I owned a successful photography shop in a district in the central region, a home and a car. However, I decided to move to the south to start a business and nearly lost everything after three failed attempts.

Both my wife and I were left without jobs or money. I still remember one day seeing my son watching his friends drink smoothies, his eyes filled with longing. That moment pushed me to take action and change our lives.

Having only ever been a neat and tidy business owner, I willingly took on tough, sweaty jobs. I became a construction worker and sold gasoline at night to earn a little extra income.

All I thought about was how to put food on the table for my wife and child. I had no time to dwell on myself or the past. To make ends meet, I traded my motorbike for an older one, moved to a smaller house, and eventually sold that too, resorting to renting.

After two years of hard work, I managed to open a small shop selling construction materials. I spent my free time learning and joined classes on weekend nights to learn how to use a computer and accounting softwares.

It was difficult to get a loan back then, even from the bank, without property to use as collateral. When you are struggling, even close relatives may hesitate to lend you money, which is understandable. There is no point blaming anyone else but myself.

After six years, I turned the small shop into a stable and reputable business.

For people who start life without inheritance, I believe entrepreneurial success often comes between the ages of 40 and 55. Hence, if your startup does not go as planned, do not be afraid to start over.

I may not be rich yet, but I want to stress that while poverty can be difficult to break free of, you might just be able to do so with enough determination.

Is it too late to start a business in your 40s?

*This opinion was translated into English with the assistance of AI. Readers’ views are personal and do not necessarily match VnExpress’ viewpoints.