Who would employ 50+ secretary/accounts clerk?
Discussion
This year, my father is closing the business he's run nearly all his life to go and work for a regular paycheque from a family friend in a similar line of work.
My mother has worked for him on a part-time basis for most of that time, handling accounts payable/receivable, payroll, supply chain, sales documentation, dealing with clients, all the myriad activities needed of someone like that in the <5 person business market. A fluent touch typist and able to note in shorthand (if anyone still uses it), she's worked with computer systems and databases as a user since they were a novelty.
So, I'm racking my brains trying to think who might be after her skill set? The obvious candidate is another small firm needing part-time comprehensive admin; indeed, she has already done work for one or two local firms on this basis when their workload has outstripped their principals' abilities to sit in front of a computer instead of the woodchipper or tamper.
The other thought I had was maybe there is an agency that provides long-term rental or contract admin services, or operates on the old "darning socks at home" model where admin work is farmed out to secretaries working at home.
Anyone got any suggestions? I've only just started to define the problem fully, really.
My mother has worked for him on a part-time basis for most of that time, handling accounts payable/receivable, payroll, supply chain, sales documentation, dealing with clients, all the myriad activities needed of someone like that in the <5 person business market. A fluent touch typist and able to note in shorthand (if anyone still uses it), she's worked with computer systems and databases as a user since they were a novelty.
So, I'm racking my brains trying to think who might be after her skill set? The obvious candidate is another small firm needing part-time comprehensive admin; indeed, she has already done work for one or two local firms on this basis when their workload has outstripped their principals' abilities to sit in front of a computer instead of the woodchipper or tamper.
The other thought I had was maybe there is an agency that provides long-term rental or contract admin services, or operates on the old "darning socks at home" model where admin work is farmed out to secretaries working at home.
Anyone got any suggestions? I've only just started to define the problem fully, really.
Sounds very similar to my GF, who would be classed as a 'Purchase Ledger Clerk'.
There seems to be quite a few jobs out there for this type of role as long as you are located near a decent sized town or city. My GF is moving closer to me in the next 4 weeks and is actively job hunting in the Birmingham area. There are a decent amount of permanent roles around at the minute, as well as quite a few part-time contracts. Not sure about working from home though...
There seems to be quite a few jobs out there for this type of role as long as you are located near a decent sized town or city. My GF is moving closer to me in the next 4 weeks and is actively job hunting in the Birmingham area. There are a decent amount of permanent roles around at the minute, as well as quite a few part-time contracts. Not sure about working from home though...
I don't think 50+ should be seen as a much of a negative.
As you've said she has years of expreience, familiar with the usual software and with a range of experience should be able to pick up new packages fairly easily. She'll (may) be more likely to stay in the company if she's happy and not be looking to move elsewhere to climb the ladder. She'll still have 5-10 years till retirement, if she wants to, which is as long as any employee could be expected to stick around. And there's no worry that she'll take a year off to have kids
A few assumptions there, but you get the idea
As you've said she has years of expreience, familiar with the usual software and with a range of experience should be able to pick up new packages fairly easily. She'll (may) be more likely to stay in the company if she's happy and not be looking to move elsewhere to climb the ladder. She'll still have 5-10 years till retirement, if she wants to, which is as long as any employee could be expected to stick around. And there's no worry that she'll take a year off to have kids
A few assumptions there, but you get the idea
Our office manager/receptionist/bookkeeper/credit control person started when they were 63. And they have been with us lots of years now! They came with the best work ethic and good experience - they have a job for as long as they want it!
As has been said, this kind of role is fantastic for small businesses, if not fantastically paid.
As has been said, this kind of role is fantastic for small businesses, if not fantastically paid.
russ_a said:
Some small business owners will only employ ladies in that age group due to them not leaving to have kids and them having to pay for it.
I would expect a lot of small business owners to have the same view.
I'd agree with this, although legitimately you can't 'only' employ them.I would expect a lot of small business owners to have the same view.
Not only the having children bit, but also the chance of having older children is better, no 'my sons schools closed due to snow' issues etc
Also, I've found they are much more reliable and trustworthy than your average 22 year old! Less sick days and less Monday morning lateness issues!
Of course there is some advantages to a 22 year old in the office!
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