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Show New jobs for older women NEW JOBS FOR OLDER WOMEN: According to the American Ameri-can Association of Retired Persons and the Displaced Homemakers Network, more1 than 12 million women of middle age and older have lost their main source of income either through the death or disability of a spouse, job loss by a spouse, or divorce or separation. Mainy of these women have relatively few marketable market-able skills. Some had jobs before marriage, but the job market has changed since they last worked. Some never expected to have to support; themselves at this stage jof their liveA,In any event, the prospect of joining a workforce can be overwhelming. As the AARP notes, "Many of these women ... (will) face negative stereotypes, lower salaries, and a general reluctance to hire older workers." It can also be a problem for employers faced with a general unawareness of how to use this underutilized work resource. Employers are advised to question older employees to elicit useful information that can help them place an applicant in the right job. Sample questions include: (1) What have you done in your life that has helped to prepare you for (the job in question)? (2) What are your major strengths? (3) What skills have you acquired in paid, volunteer, or homemaking experiences? If you are an older woman who is going back to work for the first time in years, the AARP suggests home-making home-making and volunteer experiences such as planning, coordinating, budgeting, organizing, supervising, training, negotiating, time management, manage-ment, are all valuable skills that could be transferred to the job market And, don't forget your education credits! For information about the Displaced Dis-placed Homemakers Network, write them at 141 1 K Stret, N.W., Suite 930, Washington, D.C., 20005; Telephone: 1-202-628-6767. (NOTE: The AARP, with the DHN, has produced a videocassette called "Partners in Change" dealing with issues for both older workers reentering re-entering the job market, and employers. Support groups, women's groups, etc., may find it useful. For information ordering the video and price per set, write AARP Program Resources Dept., Station DG, 1909 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., 20049.) PERSONAL NOTE: Here's hoping hop-ing that the happy promises of Christmas, Chanukah, and the New oar come true for you and your tV inily. However, the sad statistics show that domestic violence often flares up at this time of the year. If you face such a situation, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline. The toll free number is 1-800-333-7233. If they're busy, stay on the line. They'll be there to help you. TO "LAURIE": Your friend's correct. A police force does have the right to set reasonable height, weight, and educational standards for applicants. |