What Is a Solopreneur? (And Why It’s Perfect for Gen Xers Like Us)

So, what is a solopreneur?

A solopreneur is a one-person business owner.

They handle strategy, execution, marketing, fulfillment—everything.

They build income around what they already know without depending on a boss, a team, or a flashy startup idea.

Solopreneurs today don’t hustle harder—they build smarter, using tools like AI, automation, and email-first business models to create job-free income with low overhead.

On this page I’m going to break it down for you and give you some resources you can check out to learn more.

But first, I want to give you some context and establish some credibility, I’m want to share quick story of how I became a solopreneur.

How I Accidentally Became A Solopreneur

In my early 40s (I’m 52 now), I was still working a desk job as a mechanical draftsman, earning about $50K a year. I had three kids, a mortgage, and a growing sense that I there had to be more than just putting in my time and waiting for another 20 years to retire.

I started dabbling in online marketing in 2007. I started a blog about fantasy football—just for fun. I had no clue what I was doing. But, people started reading it. I figured out how to collect emails. Then how to make a little affiliate income. Then how to sell something of my own.

That blog turned into a real income stream. That income stream gave me options. And those options gave me control and eventually lead to consulting work and other income streams.

And that’s when I realized:

You don’t need to start a company. You just need to start.

Fast forward too today and I’ve been self employed since 2013.

Why Solopreneurship Is Perfect for Gen Xers

This site’s open to everyone, but just so you know—I built it with my fellow Gen Xers in mind.

• We’ve got experience – not theory.

• We’ve got work ethic – not entitlement.

• We want control – not a second boss disguised as a “client.”

Solopreneurship isn’t about chasing likes or becoming an influencer. It’s about building a career that finally fits your life.

Start Here

Here’s a breakdown of some of the most helpful guides, tools, and ideas I’ve put together for Gen Xers who want to go solo—without starting from scratch.

Top Guides for Aspiring Solopreneurs

• How I Built a One-Person Business at 50 with Blogs and Newsletters
  How I turned a blog and email list into consistent $10K+ months—without going viral or hiring a team.

• What’s a Blogletter? (And Why You Should Start One in 2025)
  Your perfect starter system: low stress, high leverage, built for grown-ups.

• Why Solo Portfolio Careers Are the Future for Gen X Professionals
  See how value-driven portfolio careers offer flexibility, financial resilience, and purpose for professionals in their 50s and beyond.

Solopreneur Business Ideas

(Perfect for Gen X skills, lifestyle, and constraints)

• Newsletter Business Ideas for Beginners

• Service-Based Business Ideas You Can Automate

• Side Hustles You Can Launch Without Quitting Your Job

• How to Choose a Niche You’ll Actually Stick With

Solopreneur Tools I Actually Use

• Beehiiv ($) – My #1 pick for building a blog + newsletter in one place

• ChatGPT – For content, offers, lead magnets, and clarity

• Stan ($) - Sell digital products and more without needing a website (very slick)

And thats just a few off the top of my head, here’s a longer list of Solopreneur Tools and Resources that I use.

Courses & Systems to Shortcut Your Solo Journey

• The Blogletter – Set up your blog-newsletter business fast (includes a free quickstart guide)

• RR Pro – Get all my AI-powered templates, guides, and newsletter-building systems in one place

Reddit Threads & Real Talk

Want to see what other solopreneurs are doing right now? Check this out:

• Best advice from the /r/solopreneur community

• How Justin Welsh built his one-person business to $5M

• Solopreneur success hub with tools, resources, and a supportive community—all in one place.

Still on the Fence?

Start by reading this:
How I Built a One-Person Business at 50

You’ll see exactly how I did it—and how you can too, even if you think you’re “late to the game.”

This is part of my retirement plan. What’s yours?