Job Market Overview - The job market is currently challenging for employees of all ages, with an unemployment rate of 4.3% in August, the highest since late 2021 [1] - Older workers face additional difficulties due to higher salary expectations, ageism, and being perceived as overqualified, leading many to pursue self-employment [1] Individual Experiences - DJ Perdue, after losing his job as a Walmart manager, applied to over ten jobs daily for a year and a half before opening his own business, Teeny Town, an indoor playspace for children [2] - Rick J. Sanchez, who transitioned from various roles in sales and business development, found it challenging to return to a traditional job market after launching his own PR firm, Mentratik, due to the stigma associated with his previous titles [3] - Sallie Griffiths, a former C-suite leader, experienced a significant reduction in job opportunities after being laid off in 2024, leading her to take a lower-paying franchise role while managing multiple income streams [4][5]