I'm 48 and have never worked outside the home. I've always had a home business as a seamstress and once the kids were in school I started a housecleaning service. The problem is I feel very restless and want to change my life. I need to get out more and be with people. I have taken several computer classes and know my way around a computer. I also helped my son out for years with his disc jockey business, scheduling and sending out contracts. I don't know if this is of value, but I was a volunteer for nine years with the high school band. I would like a job in an office environment but where do I start? I have no experience. I feel like I'm down in a well and have no idea how to get out.

--In A Well

Dear In A Well:

Are you kidding? You've got loads of experience. But it doesn't matter what I think--you're the one who has to see the value of all you've done.

Just because your work has not been in an office with people and equipment around, doesn't mean you have no experience doing what they do in offices. You set up two of your own small businesses and assisted your son with his. I bet you know how to organize filing systems, create and maintain bookkeeping records, follow up and deal with customers, not to mention the technical skills it requires to be a seamstress. You might know how to write correspondence, and with your new computer skills, probably can develop forms, graphs, data bases and spread sheets. As a volunteer, were you involved in fund raising, setting up special events? What skills did that require?

So first, see how much experience you've gained and skills you've honed and feel proud of what you've accomplished. Sit down with pencil and paper and write the various activities you've been involved in. Then write the skills and abilities you've developed in these experiences. You'll be surprised how much you can offer.

Which of those skills do you enjoy using most? Later you can create a resume that demonstrates your potential and supports these skills, listing examples of how you've applied them.

Brainstorm about the kinds of offices you could work in: Medical, insurance, retail, non-profit, university, for example. What would the company do or make? What sounds interesting? Would the company be large or small? Do any of your past experiences lend themselves to a particular industry? After you've defined this more, you can create a target list of firms you want to contact about employment--and do it.

© by Andrea Kay