Author: Jo Lyle

Being in the Workforce in your 40’s

Posted on by Jo Lyle

We’re all really busy. More so than ever. Everything is at our fingertips providing instant results. It’s the age of technology and it’s amazing.

 

However, there are some things that haven’t caught up to this go-go-go revelation. And probably should. Common courtesy and politeness are two things that come to mind.  It is only too often these general manners have been lost or forgotten in our fast paced ever-ready indulgence.

 

The one thing that I find completely disheartening is the lack of response in returning phone calls, both as a prospective candidate and on the job. I’m sure this fits into the common courtesy category.

 

As an experienced Executive Assistant currently looking for new opportunities, I’ve had to swiftly adapt to the changing market and methods to a get a look in. The job market moves very quickly, blink and you’ve missed an opening.

 

Occasionally the standard thank you email comes through. Occasionally the phone rings for a great chat about a position, which may lead to interview. Sadly a large proportion simply don’t respond. I’ve experienced positive conversations ending with “you’ll receive a phone call by the end of the week either way”, yet that phone call doesn’t come. I’ve experienced being the final candidate with referees lined up to never hear about the role again. But these types of behaviour happen in the every day workplace too. I’ve experienced people not responding to me on the job simply because I am the EA and not the boss.

 

A good EA is integral because they are organised, savvy and well connected. We know as much about the goings on as our boss. We’re the movers and shakers behind the Executive, the glue that binds the pages of the book, if you like. We can be influential and we usually have good memories.

 

Take a moment out of your busy schedule. Call if you said you would. A short email is quite acceptable, even the standard response is ok, at least then we know exactly where we stand. Either way, have the common courtesy to respond. It is always appreciated.

 

Written by Sharon Herzog

10 Hacks for the Working Parent

Posted on by Jo Lyle

We’re all really busy. More so than ever. Everything is at our fingertips providing instant results. It’s the age of technology and it’s amazing.

 

However, there are some things that haven’t caught up to this go-go-go revelation. And probably should. Common courtesy and politeness are two things that come to mind.  It is only too often these general manners have been lost or forgotten in our fast paced ever-ready indulgence.

 

The one thing that I find completely disheartening is the lack of response in returning phone calls, both as a prospective candidate and on the job. I’m sure this fits into the common courtesy category.

 

As an experienced Executive Assistant currently looking for new opportunities, I’ve had to swiftly adapt to the changing market and methods to a get a look in. The job market moves very quickly, blink and you’ve missed an opening.

 

Occasionally the standard thank you email comes through. Occasionally the phone rings for a great chat about a position, which may lead to interview. Sadly a large proportion simply don’t respond. I’ve experienced positive conversations ending with “you’ll receive a phone call by the end of the week either way”, yet that phone call doesn’t come. I’ve experienced being the final candidate with referees lined up to never hear about the role again. But these types of behaviour happen in the every day workplace too. I’ve experienced people not responding to me on the job simply because I am the EA and not the boss.

 

A good EA is integral because they are organised, savvy and well connected. We know as much about the goings on as our boss. We’re the movers and shakers behind the Executive, the glue that binds the pages of the book, if you like. We can be influential and we usually have good memories.

 

Take a moment out of your busy schedule. Call if you said you would. A short email is quite acceptable, even the standard response is ok, at least then we know exactly where we stand. Either way, have the common courtesy to respond. It is always appreciated.

 

Written by Sharon Herzog

Working and Juggling Kids…It can be done!

Posted on by Jo Lyle

If you are planning (or already doing it) on working and juggling the kids and your family, rest assured, it can be done.

When you first get pregnant, you have no clue what you will be like as a mum. Will I be the uber earth mum? Neurotic mum? Laid back mum? Crazy mum? The list of labels is endless. And when that human pops out without a manual, well, it is game on and best of luck to all involved.

I found that out when my first was about 9 months old, I was ready to enter back into the work force. The first hurdle was to secure day care, book in for specific days and start paying crazy fees. Then I had to look for a job, hope that I found something part-time and also hope that they would offer me the exact same days. The alternative was to first find the job then start looking for day care in the local area and pray that the media, along with all my friends were wrong in saying that day care spots are impossible to find! Either way, it’s stressful and expensive!

Fast forward a few years, 2 day care centres and another child later then here we are.

While both kids were in day care, I was paying $140. A day. Per child. All for the pleasure of working two days a week and making zero money. Breaking even was best case scenario.

But when I went to work, I loved nothing more than having a cup of hot tea and it still being hot when I finished it. I loved people saying thank you for something I did and I particularly loved the toilet cubicle all to myself! I was also really lucky to love what I did so working made me happy.

Having children takes you to places within yourself that you didn’t even know existed, both in the pure love for them and also in the anger and despair at some of their behaviour. Therefore to keep sane, I needed a bit of time at home and a bit of time at work. Work was a break from the madness at home and time for me to be me.

A huge challenge with being a working mum is building your currency. Proving that you are a great operator and that no amount of snotty puking off-spring is going to affect you doing your job. But here lies the problem. Having kids and working part-time generally means that you are not the primary breadwinner, therefore you are expected to be the one to sacrifice your working day to stay with your sick child. Proving your currency but also having to use more personal leave than many of your peers can be a huge task. But it can be done. And women (and men) all over the country are doing it!

Once my kids both hit school age, the champagne corks were popped! One pick up, one drop off, no more outrageous day care costs, I actually started making some money and the sick days fell dramatically.

I now work 4 days a week in school term and 3 days a week in school holidays and I put this flexibility down to having an awesome and very understanding boss. My challenge is that I am at work for a finite time each day. I absolutely have to pick up the kids before 6pm or I am charged crazy dollars each minute after, so I have been known to fly out the door mid-sentence. But in the hours I am at work I give it my all, as there is no staying back or doing it later. There is no time for taking personal calls, Facebook, or popping out for a quick coffee break. I am there to get as much done as many others just in a shorter time. Hence why working mums can be some of the best workers in the business. We have no choice but to be efficient, especially if we are in a rare part-time role and we want to continue proving our worth.

When you’re a working mum the jobs are endless; making lunches and packing snacks, ensuring uniforms are clean, remembering library day, reading endless newsletters and school emails hoping you don’t miss something that means your kid misses out. All while trying to get yourself dressed and prepped for your own work day. It goes on and on. And it can be stressful. But it can also be rewarding.

For me it is worth it because I love working. Sometimes I have epic fails but sometimes I get it right. I love my family and I am so lucky to be able to balance the two.