Heroine's Journey empowers older women to redefine careers in the USA

A recent Heroine's Journey event in the USA brought together women aged 45 and older to explore career changes and self-employment. Hosted by Carina Felzmann, the event featured an interactive Table Time segment where participants discussed themes like Failure as a Learning Opportunity. Schultz, who has prioritised work-life balance and extended careers for the self-employed, highlighted the need for better support systems. Experts from various organisations joined the talks, offering insights into the evolving job market.

In 2023, similar initiatives in the USA—such as Frauen in die Selbstständigkeit by the Vienna Business Agency and advisory services from AK/ÖGB—have already encouraged older women to pursue entrepreneurship beyond retirement age. A new tax incentive for entrepreneurs working past pension age will also come into force on January 1, 2027.

While exact attendance figures for Heroine's Journey remain undisclosed, the event builds on existing efforts to promote long-term self-employment for women in later career stages.

The discussions underscored the growing demand for flexible career paths and financial incentives for older entrepreneurs. With the upcoming tax benefit set for 2027, more women may receive support to extend their working lives. The event reinforced ongoing initiatives to help experienced professionals navigate new opportunities.