I have been a single mum for many years and now my 3 beautiful daughters are older and doing their own thing I want to go back to work. I used to do office work which I enjoyed a great deal, have done bar and shop work but my self-esteem is a little low right now and a lacking of confidence. Do you think any firms would want to employ an "older woman" who has been out of work for so long. I like to think I have a lot to offer but would they. Help.
2007-03-04 23:41:41 · 7 answers · asked by janeybest 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
All you need to realise is that you have single handedly been a finance manager , an entertainments officer, a full time caterer and a head of household!!! Take details from your personal life and transfer them into an office - yyou will be brilliant - when you ananlyse what you do on a daily basis you will be amazed how quickly your confidence will grow and belive me, employers love mature employees!! Good luck - go get 'em!!
2007-03-04 23:50:15 · answer #1 · answered by bevflower 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should not worry about not having the right "management" skills. Being a single mum to 3 is harder than any office job. As people have said below, just think of your skills in managing the household successfully and put them in a work context.
There are laws against age discrimination now.
Read a book on interview skills. There are tips on how to give good answers in many situations. I have just done this and it's really worth the £10 for the book. You can probably borrow from the library if you don't want to buy.
Confidence is a BIG factor. If you can prepare well, you will feel good and confident and will find something
Good luck
2007-03-05 10:09:42 · answer #2 · answered by bw_r005t3r 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sign up to an employment agency - they will find you the odd day's work to build up your confidence. Or sign up to a part time College Course - there are some really cheap ones that allow you to brush up on the computer packages that are popular in offices these days (I recently did a CLAIT Course which cost £30 for 100 hours of classroom/computer time, there were all ages there were 16 year olds through to retired people, and you could pick the days and times you want proving you did a set number of hours each week. At the end you come away with a proper certificate saying you know how to use the packages).
2007-03-05 07:54:19 · answer #3 · answered by k 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might want to take a short course to brush up on your office skills. Possibly a computer course, which would give you a chance to meet a few people, get you into a social scene, and build your confidence. When you start to interact with others your self esteem will increase.
2007-03-05 07:48:01 · answer #4 · answered by Beau R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could also do some voluntary work - many charities need admin support. This would give you a supportive environment in which to brush up your skills, especially IT (which is essential in an office nowdays). In my organisation, we have supported 3 women in this way over the past 18mths and they are all now in paid employment. Contact your local Volunteer Centre.
2007-03-05 07:51:07 · answer #5 · answered by fengirl2 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have plenty to offer an employer. In my experience, the more mature lady is usually more reliable and willing to work, and take a pride in what she does. Dont put yourself down - raising kids is a task in itself and one where you have to have your wits about you. Go for it and good luck. Enjoy whatever it is you find to do.
2007-03-05 09:27:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
First is to brush up on what you're good at and zoom into it. So long as you're willing to take on challenges there isn't anything impossible.
2007-03-05 07:46:48 · answer #7 · answered by SGElite 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋