A Fresh Start in Sustainable Farming

Hi, I’m H., and after spending over 25 years as a civil engineer, I reached a point in my mid-50s where I felt increasingly disconnected from my career. While I had achieved success in my profession, the work no longer gave me a sense of purpose or satisfaction. I found myself yearning for something that aligned more closely with my personal values, particularly my growing interest in sustainability and the environment. I wanted to feel that I was making a positive impact, but I wasn’t sure where to start.

That’s when I came across the SASSI project. I immediately felt a connection to the project’s spirit, which viewed age as an advantage rather than a limitation. Through SASSI’s resources, particularly the “Guide to Becoming an Olderpreneur,” I was able to see how my skills as an engineer—such as project management, problem-solving, and resource planning—could be transferred to a completely different industry: sustainable farming.

Through the various SASSI modules on business planning, entrepreneurship and mindset development, I began to develop a comprehensive plan for starting a small organic farm in my garden. The materials helped me to break down the overwhelming task of starting a new business into manageable steps. I started small, transforming my garden into a productive space where I could experiment with growing organic vegetables.

By the beginning of 2024, I had successfully set up a small organic farm. I started selling fresh produce to my local community and the response has been incredibly positive. In fact, demand has outstripped the capacity of my garden, and I am now planning to move to a larger plot of land to expand my operations. This next phase of growth would have seemed unimaginable just a few years ago, but thanks to the confidence and knowledge I have gained, I now have the vision and skills to make it happen.

One of the biggest challenges I faced in this transition was overcoming my own self-doubt. It’s not easy to walk away from a career you’ve spent decades building, especially when the new path is so different.

The support network I built through SASSI was also invaluable, namely with the partnership/mentors.

This career change has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It has allowed me to contribute to my local community in a meaningful way. I’m excited about what the future holds as I continue to grow my farm, and I now see my age as an asset rather than an obstacle. I’ve built a new career based on my values, and I’ve proven to myself that it’s never too late to pursue something new. The confidence and skills I’ve gained have not only transformed my career but also my outlook on life. I’m looking forward to what lies ahead as I expand my farm and continue this journey.