If you became a butcher, baker or candlestick maker because that's what you always wanted to be, you are in the minority. Many of us find ourselves in an occupation without fully understanding how it "happened" to us. We needed to make a living, of course, but we may also have been influenced by family expectations or pressure, issues of self-esteem, or what the guidance counselor said. That was then. Now, you can join the hoards of people 50 and older who are swelling the ranks of new entrepreneurs, now 5.6 million and growing. Here, from Too Young to Retire: 101 Ways to Start the Rest of Your Life, and current research, are ten picks that capitalize on the qualities you, as a mature person, bring to the table: great people skills, resilience, experience -- life and work -- and a perspective that only comes with years. These opportunities are perfect for the 50+ entrepreneur because:

* You can launch them in the evening or on the weekend, even while you are still employed

* You can begin from a home office which means low overhead. According to home-based business guru and author, Paul Edwards, most can be launched for under $5,000

* None demands years of training, in fact, you might be able to leverage your past business experience or build on a hobby or avocation

* Lots of flexibility about how and when you work -- one of the most desired qualities for second careers

1. Antique/Collectibles Restoration. Take a hint from the success of Ebay, which began life as a collectibles auction site, and the popularity of PBS' Antiques Road Show. Nostalgia for the handmade quality of the past has many people scouring their attics, and those of their parents, and roadside flea markets for that neglected gem to restore to its former glory. Enter the professional restorer (also chair re-caning expert) -- you.

2. Bakery, especially Artisan Bread Baking. Here's another back-to-the-future move (and movement) that could pay off handsomely. A friend of ours -- she grew up in the bakery business -- gets her baking done before dawn in the kitchen of a neighborhood restaurant, and sells her artisan breads to a local gourmet shop. Her new business is going so well, she could be looking for some real estate of her own before long. Today, there is a growing demand for well-made food that takes skill and time. Read more about the Slow Food movement here: http://www.slowfood.com/ and http://www.slowfoodusa.org/

3. Coach (Life, Executive, Transition, Career). As you may know, coaching is a partnership between a client and a trained coach to identify and work toward the client's goals. The career of coaching attracts many mid-life and older career changers for the simple reason that all your previous education and work experience is applicable to coaching your clients. For example, if you've been an executive yourself, you bring a perspective to your coaching that other executives would find attractive. Similarly, if your background is in the arts, you are are likely to attract others who share your experience. Your previous work environment may also provide you with a client base, at least when you are starting out. Coach training has kept pace with the growth of the profession and today you have many programs accredited by the International Coaching Federation to choose from.

4. Dog Grooming (also Walking, Training). If you love dogs, you are not alone. A little market research of the pet department at your local supermarket should convince you of the growth potential of this business. You can test it on a house call basis before investing in bricks and mortar. Need a list of upcoming seminars on a variety of dog training tips: http://www.puppyworks.com and http://www.alldogsgym.com

5. Freelance Commercial Writer. If you enjoy writing and can think strategically, you could be ready to launch yourself in a career that offers a great lifestyle and the chance to earn an excellent income (say $50-125 an hour). "Given the vast array and volume of commercial work out there, for many, it