“I am over 40 years old and have always worked in a family business. The business is no longer profitable. I am, therefore, seeking a job in order to help with the finances at home. However, without work experience, and at this age, I am finding it very difficult. I have knowledge of the secretarial field. Please advise me.”

– Reader

CAREER change in mid-life is not unusual, especially for females.

You should be able to find a job but with the competition in the world of work you may need to consider upgrading your qualifications.

By so doing you will acquire additional skills and competencies. The role of the secretary has changed significantly. Most organisations now require people with additional skills to fill that position. Some of these are supervisory, decision making, planning and organising of meetings, and other office-related events. They now perform the role of administrative assistants and so a name change to fit this role is done by most organisations.

Although you worked in your family business, you would have developed marketable skills from that experience. Some of these include those which would be required for a supervisory position in an organisation. Some of the skills you would have acquired include those noted above, along with others such as good customer service/interpersonal skills, and time management.

The fact that you worked in a family business does not mean that you should not value the knowledge and experience gained. You will need to improve your knowledge of the computer programmes required for the 21st century organisation.

In retooling, try to do an assessment of your interests and abilities, and relate these to the various areas you are thinking of pursuing. Ensure that the one you select is in demand. You, therefore, need to investigate the possibilities for employment in the areas you are thinking of. This will help you to narrow down your choices and arrive at a decision.

If you decide to do Business Studies/Management Studies, that would certainly enhance your previous work experience. But there are general skills that you would have learnt that can be transferred to any job situation, among them team work.

Consider starting your own business

Another option is to start your own business. This could be in a demand area, and may not cost much to be established. You may very well have the space you would need and the clientele. Think again about your interests, skills and competencies.

Potential areas include: events planning, interior decorating, supplying gifts (goodie baskets, plants) for special occasions such as Valentine’s Day, birthdays and wedding anniversaries.

Events planning could be for office parties, conferences, seminars, birthdays. Decorating could be for similar events and both services could be offered. You would need to do short course(s) and could employ people to assist.

You may want to discuss what you have decided with your family so that you can get the needed support. Discuss how you will finance the business. Will you require a loan? If so, consider how this can be obtained. There are funding agencies that give both financial and start-up advice.

Merrit Henry is the student services and development manager at the University of the West Indies, Mona.