Career Path Adjustment?

Surprisingly, in this rather unstable economy that we are growing a bit too comfortable with, I have observed a new trend in my local area, the resurgence of start-up businesses. In the past year or so, small ethnic delis, sports collectible shops, chocalateers, gourmet food purveyors, fitness shops, specialty clothiers and many more have been popping up run by local residents who found their prior careers might never get back on track. These are very small enterprises in low profile locations seeking out local trade without a lot of gimmickry. Some seem to be thriving, others are growing slowly but few seem to be crashing. My assumption is that the proprietors are keeping overhead very low and doing much of the work themselves or with the aid of family members. If you are not working and intrigued by a small business, perhaps consider offering some free time to them in exchange for getting to learn how they got off the ground. You never know, something very good could come from this!!