Survival Tips for Laid Off Clerical Workers

Posted by in Administrative & Clerical Services



Approximately 1.7 million Americans work in clerical and administrative positions. Many have been particularly hard hit by advances in technology, automation and, in some cases, by cheaper workers overseas. While it may be bad news for US workers, these and other automation efficiencies have helped push up corporate productivity to its highest levels in 50 years.

 

The fact is, the world of clerical work is changing, or mostly leaving. The bad economy has forced many companies to downsize. And among the first jobs to go are clerical. This includes  jobs like file clerks, bank clerks and ticket agents;  in general, anyone dealing with people through windows and counters, or people who sort, file or compile using paper and file cabinets.  
 


Many clerical jobs have simply gone the way of the dial phone—and will never come back. Some companies have decided to redistribute administrative tasks among existing employees rather than hire a new worker. Mangers are increasingly being asked to handle their own calendars, travel schedules and files via laptops and ever-more powerful mobile devices. 

 
If you’re a clerical worker who has been out of work for over a year--even if you can type 120 words per minute--you’ll have to face the fact that both your job and your job description are history. Unless you plan to seek work in a small office in a mid-western town, the skills you spent years developing are no longer in demand.  

 
What to do? Consider these survival tips to help you “get back in the game.”

 
Don’t rely on Uncle Sam.  Don’t develop a dependency on jobless benefits and food stamps. These are simply stop-gap measures.  They should not be used in place of an active job search program or retraining efforts. 

 
Don’t wallow in self-pity or anger.  Automation is here to stay and increasingly prevalent.  Employers are under the gun to survive, so they’re working their junior managers harder and longer with clerical tasks that have been computerized. Realize that being unemployed is not your fault. That it’s just that times are changing and you will have to adapt.

 
Make yourself employable. Go back to school (computer school, if you can’t afford a four-year college) and build up your skills and knowledge to become a junior manager.  Find out what companies are using in terms of computers and software. Retrain yourself to use these latest tools of automation. Become an expert. 

 
Accept part time work. Put your new computer skills and knowledge to work on a part time basis if you can’t get a full-time offer of employment. Be sure to add your new work experience to your updated resume. 

 

It won’t be easy for clerical workers in this new age of computers and downsizing,  but you can adapt if you retrain and keep a positive attitude.  Got any suggestions? Your comments are welcome below. 


 


 

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  • Vicki W
    Vicki W
    I just got laid off...cashier and bookeeper..store closed..I agree with you..!!!
  •  Lynn M
    Lynn M
    I think this was a valuable article.  I appreciate the help and I would accept a part time position.
  • ALex Kecskes
    ALex Kecskes
    Best of luck to you, Emmitt and Paula. Adding to your skill set and going back to school will help you reach your goals.
  • Emmitt H
    Emmitt H
    I enjoyed the article.For years now, I've been looking. No more money, I just train co-ops that's it.  Admin work and help out.I used to be a background coordinator.  Now, I do so many different tasks.This article is helpful.  I'm seeking work doing something different.  Now, I'll gain even more talents to add to my skill set.I keep reading article for any helpful hints and to maintain my positive attitude.Thank You,Emmitt H
  • Paula O
    Paula O
    I think I need to go back to school!
  • Katherine F
    Katherine F
    Make sure that you keep your skills up to date and perhaps adding new ones.  There are several free websites that allow you to practice, enhance, and retain your software skills and even allow you to take on line classes to learn new ones.  Check out http://www.gcflearnfree.org/.  This site is hosted by Goodwill Industries and is top notch.
  • Oopaydo R
    Oopaydo R
    I think it is a grand idea to return to school and be retrained in another profession or update and refresh those archaic skills. I have also discoovered that working partime or as an apprentice is a grand way of updating refreshing and obtaining additional knowledge and skills.
  • Marcia B
    Marcia B
    I also lost my job, moved in with aged parents, cant afford schools, have to buy health insurances as that when you get older you need it. (used savings per month just to live) want to go back to work now any other suggestions
  • Alex Kecskes
    Alex Kecskes
    Thanks, Daisy and Susan for your comments.
  • Mario P
    Mario P
    Your article was very interesting.  The job situation has changed so drastically. I had a job for 7 years and the company merged with another company. The first thing they said is that there will not no downsizing and we have nothing to worry about. Yet you hear a joke about two companies merging together, each having 75 employees and at the end they wind up with 75 employees.  They start by giving double responsibility to individuals who don't have the skill to handle the job.It is very hard to start all over at the age of 66. The young men and women who have a degree right now can't find a job with their qualifications.  Their jobs are going overseas.It is so easy to say "Don't rely on Uncle Sam" / Don’t wallow in self-pity or anger or Make yourself employable.  (I don't have 4 years to spend learning a trade, by going back to school). You are right. it won’t be easy for clerical workers in this new age of computers and downsizing. Maybe the younger generation can adapt, retrain and keep a positive attitude.
  • Daisy H
    Daisy H
    Helpful.
  • Susan M
    Susan M
    I think everything you have said makes good sense. I am now older that I lost job and thinking what would be good to do as I do age.

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