The Time Creme of this week

[lella]

Hi all at DD and all members

I am having to consider my career path next year as my son starts school and I am not sure my company would be happy for me to work half day for 4 months (he is a summer baby and therefore his school day will end at 12.30 from September 2004 until end December 2004 - childminders would charge a full day's fee for an afternoon's work).

I saw an article in this week's The Times Creme supplement about two "mobile" secretaries in London.  Would anyone have a copy of the article that I could get some information from - just want their web address or any other contact details.

Thanks a stack

LELLA (Wishing everyone a lovely weekend - hey, hey it's Friday!! - these are the famous words of South African radio 5 DJ, Alex Jay)

[bettylou]

Lella,

You can view that article on the Times website at www.times-online.co.uk and by clicking on "Creme" from the quick click list down the left hand side of the home page.

I thought those girls had tremendous drive and energy - just thinking about all that scooting around they do made me feel exhausted!

Bettylou

[elkiedee]

Lella

I would at least raise the issue with your company of a flexible working arrangement during your son's first term at school. It might be awkward but if you have to leave it costs quite a lot just to recruit a new secretary - whether they advertise or just pay an agency's temp rates (inc commission) or permanent recruitment fee.

If you're in the UK there are requirements that employers consider flexible working proposals from staff and have to give you good business reasons for saying no. Yes, if you have an inflexible and unhelpful employer boss I think these rights aren't nearly sufficient or enforceable enough. But you can only ask!

Bettylou has told you about where to find the article but if this is something you'd like to do long term it might be easier to explore your chances of getting a part time wage coming in and researching freelance/virtual PA work once he's at school full time.

Good luck and keep us posted

Luci