I'm considering a change to something totally different and was thinking of doing into the funeral services. I've never ever seen a position advertised for this profession. Where would I start if really did take the leap and go for it (apart from writing to funeral homes, unless that's the only option)?
2006-09-07 03:51:15 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Are you sure this is what you want, quite a depressing job, always seeing so many heartbroken people, and what about when it is a baby or child death you have to deal with.
But if you are sure, then visit a few in your area, see what they say, your right its not a job advertised very often.
2006-09-07 03:53:35 · answer #1 · answered by Cj 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You have to get a license to run a funeral home in most states. There are also college level programs for you to get a degree in the field. Perhaps you should start by looking into the programs at local colleges or universities and that may give you a better idea of what is out there in the field and what direction you want to go in. If you do take a college course on it, then you can use the career services office for assistance. If I remember correctly, generally undertakers or funeral home directors work through apprecticeships. Good Luck. It actually can be a very profitable profession,
2006-09-07 10:58:55 · answer #2 · answered by DG 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I understand your interest in this profession. It is definitely one for people who "suffer fools badly".
You will want to go to mortuary school. The first jobs you get will be very low pay, but if you are good at it, you should advance in a reasonably nice time line. Be prepared to work shiftwork and on an "on-call" basis. People refuse to die on any publicized schedule, and it is up to the funeral home personnel to adjust their own schedules. You need to have good support for your family and children if you are going to be called out at dinner, in the middle of the night, or during gift opening on Christmas morning. There are also some smells that take come getting used to, and you will bring those home on your clothing from time to time.
Currently, many Funeral homes (many long lived family run) are being bought up by a company called SCI, which utilizes unfair business practices, astonishingly low entry wages, and high employee turnover policies. You should strive to avoid employment by them.
This website is from the National Funeral Directors Assn, and addresses possible careers.
http://www.nfda.org/careers.php
Best wishes, let not the public "first reaction" to your decision dissuade you from this most important of jobs.
2006-09-07 11:03:33 · answer #3 · answered by finaldx 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a licensed funeral director and I cannot think of any other job that I would rather do. Don't let any negative answers infleunce your decision, there are downfalls to EVERY job, not just the funeral profession!! I really enjoy my job, you really do get used to the crying, but it really isn't as depressing as everyone thinks. You just have to learn to not take your work home with you at night. The pay is good, you get to help people in their time of need and it is really quite rewarding. It is definitely not for everyone, but try it to see what you think. Check out funeralnet.com, they have tons of job listings. Also, try to contact your local funeral home for a tour or even just to sit down and talk to a director. I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors, please email me if you have any questions. Take care!
2006-09-07 14:44:55 · answer #4 · answered by Reagan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A friends partner works for a funeral home he is an upbeat jolly guy always laughing and joking he had a nervous breakdown not long ago and has been on the box for a while now
2006-09-07 10:56:04 · answer #5 · answered by dollysdress 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No don't write them go face to face and see them maybe an a "under ground", I mean ground level entry position is open for you ! I find these people very nice and all have a great sense of humor. Good Luck Get out there today
2006-09-07 10:56:29 · answer #6 · answered by DANIEL D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hang around the local crem and turn up at everyones funeral for weeks on end you will either be labelled a looney or be offered a job as an undertaker
2006-09-07 10:54:32 · answer #7 · answered by Hitcher In The Picture 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would go directly to a funeral director. I would either call or stop by and just talk to him! He can point you in the right direction.
2006-09-07 10:54:12 · answer #8 · answered by KIMBO 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why not advertise at old folks homes? Get them early. Seriously though why would you want to do that? My sister's boyfriend comes from a family of undertakers, they do all the embalming themselves. It all seems a bit grim to me.
2006-09-07 10:55:34 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have seen a couple in my local paper. i do believe once you are in the job you love it or hate it hence they do not have a big turn over of positions. i`d love to know what you do now though!!
2006-09-07 10:55:35 · answer #10 · answered by Vickezo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋