Kiplinger's Personal Finance - Fall 2006  

Second Acts

"Currently, about 15 percent of Willow's CyberAgents are retirees, and chief executive Angie Selden says the company is looking to hire more of this desirable demographic group because of their strong work ethic, business experience and computer skills. 'We have launched a national recruiting program, and the retirement community is one that we find very attractive,' she says.

"Willow's CyberAgents are independent contractors, not employees. They provide their own computers, designated telephone lines and high-speed Internet connections-and pay for their own training to become certified agents. Average start-up costs range from $400 to $600, assuming you already have a computer that meets the company's requirements. Agents earn an average of $14 an hour and must put in a minimum of ten hours a week."