Q: I’m in my early 50s, employed as an executive assistant in a government office. With many people criticizing “big government” and technology making executives more independent, I’m increasingly concerned about job security.
I need to work until retirement age, but don’t know if there’s a future in being an assistant. What should I be adding to keep myself viable? I fear that my weak technical/math skills will be a hindrance for future opportunities. I’m really frightened and don’t know what to do.
A: First, don’t waste your time and energy being frightened. Fear is not only unproductive, it’s debilitating. Instead, focus your energy into purpose and resolve.
So let’s assess your situation objectively and determine how to position you most favorably in the event you were laid off.
1) You are an older worker in a field that isn’t growing, that’s true. But assistant positions won’t disappear overnight, so the jobs will be there long after you’re ready to retire.
2) You’re afraid your government job makes you particularly vulnerable. I agree but for entirely different reasons. You think the threat comes from “big government” budget cuts. But the truth is, budget cuts are just as brutal –perhaps worse– in the private sector.
The real vulnerability I see is that people who work in government tend to isolate themselves from their peers in the private sector. I’ve noticed that many of them, neglect to network with counterparts on the “outside”. Since this is as true of administrative assistants as it is of engineers and accountants, I imagine you are no different. This could become a big disadvantage when searching for work later.
That’s why I recommend you join your chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals www.iaap-hq.org (or something similar). Attend meetings, get certified, bring your technical skills up to what’s expected of someone at your level. Network, and connect with private sector colleagues in person and via social media. Do it now while you have a job, so that if you ever find yourself looking in the coming years, you’ll be a well-skilled, known commodity, regardless of age. And that fear you expressed before? Vanquished.
© Copyright Eva Del Rio
