oh sh*t

[radfringe]

my partner got word last night that her work place will be closing in the somewhat near future

she works at a very small law firm, the most senior partner had retired last year, and the firm has been unsuccessful in finding someone else to join the firm. the now senior and managing partner wants to retire by Jan'08.

they are putting the building on the market, and once it's sold it's bye-bye job. there are currently 3 active partners and including my partner 4 full-time employees

she only found out about this because one of the partners felt it only right to let her know what's going on, he is exploring various options for himself and did tell her that IF it's at all possible he would take her with him, but at best it would probably be only part time.

The building she works in is actually a house and converted for offices, there's no kitchen, and two 1/2 baths - so anyone interested in using it for a residence would have to renovate it for a kitchen and at least 1 full bath.

the soft and mushy housing market in our area may buy more time if the retirement is dependent on the sale of the premises.

she turns 59 in October, finding a new job that pays well is going to be tough.

shit shit shit

[sandnsea]

1. How'd your car work out?

Did you get your rental? You guys are just not having any luck at all of late.

[radfringe]

3. the other guy's insurance is covering the rental

but only during the time the car is in shop for repairs. Car goes to shop 8/20, and is estimated to take about 11 days, I reserved the rental for a 2 week period as labor day falls within that time frame, and who knows if parts are on back order or something else delays the repairs

meanwhile, we had an old screen/storm door stored in the celler that had a big plastic sliding window in it. Took the plastic window out and managed to rig it into the passenger door window so I can see out

yeah - this year really sucks.

we each put $25 aside each week split between our vacation fund and cordwood fund. well, with the prospect of her losing her job, and most likely any new job will mean a cut in pay - monies in the vacation fund are now "earmarked" for cordwood and other expenses we may encounter

[monmouth]

2. In checking various want ads, agencies (see Monster) etc. the most

job openings seem to be in the legal profession, from paralegal right on down to the mailroom. Your partner will not be out of work for long, it's a wide and varied field. I am sorry for her loss however, especially when you have worked with the same people for a long time. Look at it as one door closing, another one to open. Check out the larger firms in your area and network if possible. Good luck.

[ClintonTyree]

4. What a sad commentary on our country.....

when the legal profession is one of the few growth industries in the country. And that can be explained in one phrase: sub-prime mortgages.

[radfringe]

6. she's not a paralegal

she's the office manager/bookkeeper

she's worked there for about 7 years, with yearly raises and bonuses. similar jobs in our area means a pay cut, and that will mean both of us will need to find 2nd jobs to make up the difference.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

7. Has she thought of working for a CPA?

Since she knows how to keep books, that would be a plus. And the CPAs around my neck of the woods always seem to keep busy.

Another thought, especially if she has to take on extra work--advertise as a part time bookkeeper for small firms. I know a lady around here who goes to various small businesses once a week to do payroll and put invoices/expenditures on the books. She uses QuickBooks and a laptop and goes from firm to firm--makes enough to make a living around here.

[monmouth]

8. She really doees have a "specialty" and I know down here, she

would be paid premium. Good office mgrs./bookkeepers are difficult to find. I found out myself that age does not matter, experience is key. Also, employers like "older" employees, they show up for work everyday...

[murielm99]

5. Have your partner check out

workmen's comp. law firms.

My daughter was looking for a way to use her Spanish-speaking skills, and she was hired by a workmen's comp law firm in Chicago. The partners are all good Democrats and very progressive. Most workmen's comp lawyers are Democrats.

Her workplace has many Spanish-speaking clients, so they hired her to answer phones and work with the clients who are not comfortable speaking English. Now she is a legal secretary there, and works closely with their associate who is a Hispanic lawyer.

She really lucked out. This place is good to their employees, and while they are thoroughly professional, they are fun to be around.

59? Yes, I know. I will be 59 at the end of the month. I had to leave my last job because of my health. If I ever become healthy enough to work again full-time, I may not be able to find a job, either. Fortunately, I have some other sources of income to fall back on, and a husband who works. That does not make us rich, but it does assure us meals and a roof over our heads.

I wish your partner the best of luck.