She was a housewife for the last twenty years and needs a job right away. Any ideas other than babysitting and online surveys?
She is interested in going back to school to acquire computer skills.
2006-08-23 09:41:44 · 11 answers · asked by Sal G 4 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Going back to school may be a way for here to enter without having to compete for a job. Also dont discount her life skills, being a housewife requires budgeting, admisistrative skills, cooking and cleaning skills etc. Maybe something like working in a day care if she likes children or a companion to an older lady if that is her thing. Also she could try a part time or temp job to get some recent experience. Maybe something in a craft store if she is crafty, she should play to her interests and hobbies and that way she will have experience in a non work environment. Trty encouraging her and making her feel good about herself and watch her go. Also if she doesnt need the income there are a lot of volunteer opportunities that she can check into.
2006-08-23 09:48:43 · answer #1 · answered by brendagho 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Without adequate computer skills she won't have a lot of luck getting a job that doesn't require a lot of physical activity.
My advice would be for her to buy some dummy books for programs like Word, Excel, etc and take some classes right away. In the meantime she should also practice her typing skills so she can get faster.
Try looking at a veterinarian's office or something to start with where the work is more receptionist and less clerical.
2006-08-23 16:51:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Encourage her to go to her local college and seek out the Women's Center or the Student Services Department. She will have extra help available to her in the form of financial aid, grants, loans, career counseling and more. She will be considered a "displaced homemaker" and can use that to access services not available to other students.
She will be able to talk to a counselor who can help her find the right financial aid and career guidance. She will be able to survey her interests and skills to decide which road to take: a degree or occupational classes. She'll also find a lot of job opportunity listings for all levels.
Good luck to her! Encourage her to go for it, and she will be on her way to a fulfilling new life!
P.S. Tell her there is no need to feel intimidated about going back to school or work. There are plenty of people who are in her same situation. Plus, her years of maturity and experience will give her an edge over super young things without a clue about life and responsibility.
2006-08-23 16:54:34 · answer #3 · answered by hope03 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's getting more common for empty nesters to go back to work. And, it's more widely accepted than it used to be.
Having said that, it's not going to be easy. She absolutely has to have a good personal image and at least some knowledge of Word, Excel and Power Point. Tell her to buy the tutorials and start studying like crazy. MS Office is not very hard to learn if you apply yourself.
When she's confident enough in her computer skills to go out amongst 'em I suggest she register with several temp agencies.
It's the best way to get some job experience and learn office protocols.
The primary temp agency I use does a really good job of providing me with people for short term needs. And, many of them are back to workers.
2006-08-23 17:05:26 · answer #4 · answered by Tim B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all she needs a good resume. She may want to get someone professional to help her. The skills she used at home while raising a family are in demand. Organizational skills, multi-tasking, etc. She may be able to start out as an office clerk somewhere, but a night class at the local HS in computers or even your local library is an excellent move. Good luck to her!
2006-08-23 16:51:30 · answer #5 · answered by scarlettrhett 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
to get computer skills she might consider volunteering for a local organisation serving a cause she cares about. it's a better (nicer) way to acquire skills while also making contacts that could turn into jobs in the future... that depends pretty much on how active, dedicated and resourceful she is... so turn the the local volunteer center or to the internet for an appropriate volunteer position.
a smile
joelle
2006-08-23 16:48:48 · answer #6 · answered by joelle 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
never mind the idiot about the panties -- if he tried selling his brain on ebay it would sell for 1 cent.
try temp agencies and get a job as a receptionist for now . . . in the meantime updating her skills at school. she could also try being a banquet waitress . . . i understand they make good $ on tips. also, she can apply at local government agencies like the police department as a dispatcher, city hall, county agencies, hospitals, libraries . . . a lot of these employers will train you. keep checking the newspaper. something wil click.
2006-08-23 17:03:47 · answer #7 · answered by kikilucky2001 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get those computer skills and network with the other people in the class and with the teacher to find out who's hiring in your area.
2006-08-23 16:48:17 · answer #8 · answered by CHos3n 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Apply at a bank - part-time and full-time positions are always readily available with training.
2006-08-23 17:03:28 · answer #9 · answered by MissLazy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
good for her. tell her to go for it. offer to help any way
you can and be her cheerleader. she can do it.
retraining is a good idea, and the school may provide
referral for jobs when she finishes her course.
2006-08-23 16:50:56 · answer #10 · answered by agedlioness 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋