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anyone take an outside job after working at home for years? - Backwards Typist

Posted: Jan 28, 2010

A month or so ago, I sent a resume for a medical/legal transcription position locally and forgot all about it until they called today! Being in the middle of an op report, I wasn't thinking and said yes to an interview on Monday.

I haven't worked outside the home in 15 years! I don't really have anything to wear in a lawyer's practice anymore. I don't know if I should cancel the interview or go.

Will I be able to handle working outside the home again? Anyone else do it after being home for years? Do I wear a dress (yuk) or can I wear dress slacks?

I've got butterflies in my stomach just thinking about it. They told me I'm exactly what they're looking for in this job (medical and legal background). Yet, I'm no spring chicken. I think that will be against me. I have no idea what it will pay, either.

Thanks for any advice. I'm going to take a Valium now.

anyone take an outside job after working at home for years? - Backwards Typist - ncmom

[ In Reply To ..]

I say go for the interview. It may be just what you are looking for. If the pay is not what you want, you dont have to take it but it certainly cant hurt to go. I think kakhi's, a button down shirt, and a sweater is always a classic look. With the way the MT situation looks with the new health care reform we all may be looking for something else. You will do great!

I will be praying for the outcome that is best for you. Good Luck!

interview - 1mt

[ In Reply To ..]
Yes, go for the interview. Dress pants and a nice shirt or sweater would be totally acceptable. Find out what they have to offer. It may be an exceptional job that you would love. If you don't go, you will always wonder what it was all about and regret not going. Good luck and good for you!!!

GO FOR THE INTERVIEW!!! - old mt

[ In Reply To ..]
I've been trying to get an outside job for a while. You go for it! You'll do great. Follow the above advise and let us know how it turns out.

Interview tips sm - flybye

[ In Reply To ..]
1. Be confident â�� walk into a room with your head held high and confidence intact. This will come across clearly in your posture. Shake hands firmly and look the other person in the eye when introducing yourself. If someone is coming to collect you from a waiting room, remain standing whilst you wait â�� no matter how appealing the sofa looks!

2. Look the part â�� are your shoes polished, nails groomed, and hair brushed? This may sound like a small thing but people will look for the detail. The state of your appearance and dress could make the difference between winning or not. (Conservative pieces in neutral colors with simple jewelry and modest heels and a professional handbag (large enough to fit your portfolio) are a safe bet.)

3. Good preparation speaks volumes â�� Do you have a copy of your well-written resume and separate list of references with you (in case they ask)? Do you have strong answers prepared for the three most difficult interview questions? 1. Why should I choose you? 2. What's your greatest weakness? 3. What are your salary expectations? (If not, do some research and prepare your answers.)

4. Take an interest in the other person â�� creating a good impression is about listening to the other person, as much as it is telling them about you. Ask questions about their business, hobbies, life and they, in turn, will take a deeper interest in yours. Itâ��s also through asking questions that youâ��ll find common points of connection.

5. Be clear on your goal â�� when asked to describe yourself be clear and concise. Perfect your elevator pitch â�� this is your summary that can be uttered in less than 15 seconds. This is where you have the opportunity to turn an "interview" into a "conversation" about what you bring to the company and what problems you will solve if hired.

6. A bit of give and take â�� when heading to an interview be prepared to give a little too. Youâ��re meeting a potential employer and would like to make a lasting impression. They've given you the interview; now, give something in return, whether that be your free expert opinion or opening up your PDA and making a virtual introduction (this takes only seconds yet will keep you in the mind of the beneficiary for time to come).

7. Follow-up â�� back in the home office and itâ��s time to follow up on the actions agreed. Be prompt, send a WRITTEN thank you, and hopefully the relationship will progress.

Taking these steps will ensure you create the right impression and that you're regarded as professional and trustworthy. What better way to secure a new job?

Good Luck!

I am considering this route - SwingingAxe

[ In Reply To ..]

I have the same fears... length of time out of the outside work force, age, pay... but I am at a point where, since I can't increase my income, I need to decrease my outflow, namely private health insurance and quarterly taxes. I would also relish being able to clock out and walk away from the work at the end of a day, and maybe actually have evenings and weekends free to, oh I don't know... have a life! get decent sleep! be part of society lol

I totally encourage you to go for the interview..... Good Luck!

in-house work - locust55

[ In Reply To ..]
I got an in-house job after working at home for 25 years. It worked out well. I was older too but still was highly productive. Being paid by the line made me goal oriented which was appreciated at the new job. Neutral colored pants and jacket could be appropriate anywhere. (I got work clothes at thrift shops.) This job allowed me to save a good bit of money and there were great benefits. I loved coming home and being able to just be there, having already completed my work for the day.

If they say you're just what they're looking for, believe them! A combined medical and legal background is terrific. You have lots to offer. Good luck!

Thank yoy everyone for your advice! I'm going to do it! - Backwards Typist

[ In Reply To ..]
I also talked to a few attorneys that I did work for, especially my 18+ year attorney and they all offered their names as references. My one attorney stated that I ask questions (suggest) doing it at home to show that I'm dependable (since I always had his work done when he wanted it), as did the other attorney. It might be worth it, but if I have to go outside, I will do it if the price is right.

Thank you again for all your suggestions. I really appreciate it and will let you know how it goes.

Entering the Worforce again! - dsauverwald

[ In Reply To ..]
I recently was just offered a job working in-house again and I took the job, and I must say a lot of stress has been lifted from my shoulders and I am very excited about it. I still may work part-time at home, but have not decided yet. GOod luck with your interview!!

By all means, go for it! It might set you free from - MT slavery! Going to the interview -

[ In Reply To ..]
doesn't mean you have to take the job if it's offered. But you never know... you might make twice the money with far fewer of the headaches and insecurities of MT work. I've been looking for an in-office job, but so far nothing in my area. The nearest one was 30 miles away, on one of the most god-forsaken commutes in all of California. That road is bad enough on a morning on the weekend. But rush-hour? NO WAY. But I'm still holding out hope that the right job is still waiting around the corner, and still yet to post a position.

If money's an issue, you could probably do a quick and inexpensive wardrobe spruce-up at a thrift shop. Some of them have really fabulous office wear and accessories. I know that's what I plan to do. Why get only one work-outfit at a department store, when I can get 6 or 7 of them, for less, at a thrift shop. A nice knee-length black skirt can go with ANY top. One cute jacket can go with the skirt, and any number of blouses or camisole tops. A pretty scarf or necklace can spruce up a plan or solid-colored outfit. Dark or black trousers are nice, too.... and dressy if you wear heels with them.

Good luck, and don't chicken out. You can always say no to the job, but if you don't do the interview, you may always wonder what you missed. Go get 'em! :)

No spring chicken, huh? Make that work for you. (sm) - anon2

[ In Reply To ..]
Emphasize the fact that you grew up in a time when people actually had work ethics, honesty, integrity. reliability, commitment to a job well done. Emphasize the fact that you will not be having schools calling to come pick up sick children. Emphasize the fact that your being an older lady helps keep the wives off their backs as you won't seem to be a threat to them (even though the lawyers will still chase you around the desk because you are indeed still an attractive and vibrant woman hehe).

Your post is an insult to young people..sm - young

[ In Reply To ..]
You cannot encourage a group of people by insulting another group of people.

This is very tasteless and serves no purpose.

I quote your post:

" Emphasize the fact that you grew up in a time when people actually had work ethics, honesty, integrity,reliability, commitment to a job well done.
Emphasize the fact that you will not be having schools calling to come pick up sick children.
Emphasize the fact that your being an older lady helps keep the wives off their backs as you won't seem to be a threat to them (even though the lawyers will still chase you around the desk because you are indeed still an attractive and vibrant woman hehe)."

I disagree. No insult at all. - anon2

[ In Reply To ..]
These are legitimate advantages to point out to interviewers when you are an older worker, other than the last one which was just for laughs. Guess you don't have a quirky sense of humor.

When looking for a job, you must use whatever is at your disposal to show that you are the right person for the job. There are differences in work ethics between youth and not so youthful. Do the research. Being able to rely on your worker to show up day in and day out is invaluable. Having grown children is an advantage as most probably you won't be taking off work often to stay home with a sick child.

See inside, I quote it again... - young

[ In Reply To ..]
"Emphasize the fact that you grew up in a time when people actually had work ethics, honesty, integrity,reliability, commitment to a job well done,"

is a blatant insult to young people. Your lame attempt to excuse it with "I was only joking," is not working.

Your way to try to show a boss that you are the "right" person for the job is not going to work, because it is tasteless and too pushy.

You misread (sm) - anon2

[ In Reply To ..]
I didn't say I was joking about the work ethics. I was having fun with the chasing around the desk thing.

If you take the time to do some research, there are many articles online about the work ethics of different generations. Older workers are less inclined to call in sick, be late to work, blah blah. Generation X'ers were not called slackers for no reason. The millennials are doing better. Blame the Boomers. We raised these kids.

Just the same, I stand by using that as an advantage. What employer would not appreciate reliability and the values that go along with it?

I know that not all young people are the - same, but what I s/m

[ In Reply To ..]
observe is that this is the "me, me, me generation" and the "I want it right now" generation and the "oh well, too bad, too sad for you, I got mine" generation. I'm not saying all young people are this way. It's just an observation. I have a right to my opinion, how am I insulting anyone? Should I be insulted if someone says "old fogies? :) Actually, I think there is age discrimination in our society today, and anything an older person can do to promote themselves is fine by me.

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