Seeking Job as Live-In Personal Assistant

[Sheri]

I'm a 45 year old single female currently residing in CT. I was laid off from my job as a Paralegal at the end of March and I've been here at the TV for the past 2 weeks visiting a friend. I've fallen in love with the lifestyle here and would really like to move to TV but the reality is that:

1. I'm too young to retire and can't afford to rent or buy;
2. From what I can see, there aren't many jobs available;
3. Even if I find a job, they don't pay much or offer health benefits, etc.

So, I've been wracking my brain and I thought I'd get creative... I'm looking to find a live-in job (roommate situation) where I could use my organizational skills as a Personal Assistant. I'm very good at running a home as far as budgeting, bill paying, supplies, decorating, shopping, etc. I've also been studying health and nutrition for many years and have learned to cook and eat foods with the highest nutritional value for optimum health and wellness. I'm an excellent cook, have a perfect driving record and have numerous references as to my character and work ethic. My professional career includes working as a Paralegal for the past 25+ years as well as a licensed Realtor for the past 11 years.

If you or someone you know might be interested or if you have suggestions on how I can better advertise my skills for this type of arrangement, I'd really appreciate hearing from you!

Sheri in CT

[Ohiogirl]

That was an excellent post, IMO.

You may want to contact some of the support groups directly to see if anyone connected with one of those needs someone or knows of someone who might. I believe you can find them in the Recreation News every week.

Maybe an ad in the paper also?

[rjm1cc]

I would think there is a need for your services. The problem is finding the people who need you. A while ago I think someone posted about offering services such as food shooing. Might search for it and see if she can be of help. Might also contact the local community social services organizations and tell then you are available. I would stop by nursing homes and other medical facilities to see if they can give you some leads.

[cappyjon431]

You might also consider posting this in the "Medical and Health" discussion forum and the "Support Group" forum here on TOTV. Good luck with your search!

[villages07]

I've often thought if you had an elderly parent who no longer could take care of a household, it would be far more economical to "hire" someone to come live there. You would give them room and board and perhaps a small salary in exchange for cooking, housekeeping, companion, some medical oversight, etc services. Much less expensive that assisted/independent living facility and the parent (or whomever) gets to stay in their own home.

I would think there is a market for this type of service here. Best bet is an ad in the local paper.

[Bogie Shooter]

Just wondering..........might there be Florida state laws that should be condidered?

[Sheri]

I appreciate that you've all taken the time to respond and offer some suggestions. I'm sure there are plenty of people at TV that could use my assistance in some way, shape or form. I'll just have to give it more thought and be even more creative!

As to Florida law, I'm not offering medical services so I'm not sure how that would be an issue. If you'd care to elaborate as to what your concern might be I'd like to hear more.

Thanks again everyone!

[Bogie Shooter]

I appreciate that you've all taken the time to respond and offer some suggestions. I'm sure there are plenty of people at TV that could use my assistance in some way, shape or form. I'll just have to give it more thought and be even more creative!

As to Florida law, I'm not offering medical services so I'm not sure how that would be an issue. If you'd care to elaborate as to what your concern might be I'd like to hear more.

Thanks again everyone!

Was just providing the thought for your consideration. I don't have a concern.

[senior citizen]

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[senior citizen]

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[Harry Gilbert]

A good place to start your research would be Florida Department of Elder Affairs - Home (http://elderaffairs.state.fl.us/) I would also talk to a Florida attorney both to protect yourself and anyone you may work for.

And Good Luck

[graciegirl]

I think..... that at 45 I would stay in my secure home and job where I am and research just what being a personal assistant is really like, how much money a person would make HERE...usually much less than THERE.

Working as a personal assistand could be WONDERFUL if your employer is a sweet old thing....or hell if your employer is NOT.

Of course it is so wonderful here, but retiring/living here is a privilege, not a right...and we all..or most of us, patiently awaited and saved for the time we could afford to do it. It isn't nearly as much fun working and living here as it is not working and living here as many have posted on this forum.

A huge consideration of course is health insurance and being a personal assistant sounds like a job that would not a. offer enough money to pay for it personally, or b. nor offer it from the employer(s).

I speak to you as a mother might, because I have children your age. Enjoy the time where you are with younger people around you.

[senior citizen]

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[Graytop]

It isn't nearly as much fun working and living here as it is not working and living here as many have posted on this forum.

I'll give you an "amen" from the choir on that one!

[mommieswamie]

I have been watching/reading this thread with great interest and I just have a few thoughts.

No, I am not really considering this, but I personally would LOVE to have a personal assistant living in our house. As I read Sheri's original post, I believe that is exactly what she is indicating she would like to do, as opposed to caring for an elderly person.

I am a fully functioning, healthy, fiercely independent, intelligent, capable woman with a chronically ill husband. We do have wonderful caregivers for my husband, but absolutely everything about running this house, another house that we own, medical appointments, insurance, cooking dinner, maintaining the car, paying bills, answering the phone, etc, etc. - I could go on and on - falls to me.

Several times a month, I have someone come in to help me for a few hours with all the things that I have to do, but having a live-in personal assistant sounds wonderful.

Just my take on how I read Shari's post.

[BBQMan]

Sheri, Your idea is a wonderful one. The chief barrier I see is the matter of security, fiscal not physical. You would need to be bonded and insured to provide the homeowner with assurance they will not wake up broke. In addition, you need to consider taxes, workman's comp, etc. I certainly would enjoy have someone live-in, especially if they are a good cook.

[Bogie Shooter]

It just gets more complicated.