According to the article, which of the women

Helen, 53

Petra, 45

Sue, 34

I’d never seen myself as academic. Hairdressing seemed glamorous and I wanted a car, so I went to work in a salon as an apprentice. It paid very little, but I had fun. Then my husband announced that he was moving to London. That was the catalyst I’d been waiting for. I stayed put and took English and Law at night school. I was spending 45 hours a week in the salon and working for exams as well. I lost ten kilos in weight, but for all the stress of studying, I knew I was doing the right thing. After leaving college I went into market research. My confidence has always been low and it was three years before I felt I’d cracked the job. My present earnings would have been unimaginable back in the salon.

I worked for three cabinet ministers, earning $90, 000 a year, but at the cost of having to work a 65-hour week. When I turned 35, it hit me: I’ve worked here for nearly 15 years and I’ve probably got 25 to go. If I’d added up the hours they would probably have been equivalent to 40 normal working years! I decided to save as much as possible, and then get out. It sounds very calculating, but it had to be. Choosing to take redundancy has given me new opportunities. I’ve set up the spare room as an office and I’m currently editing a collection of family letters, which is something I’d always wanted to do. People who need certainly and structure would find my new life very difficult, but all in all, I feel I’ve made the right decision.

My family had been in the leather business since 1906 and the company eventually passed to me. I loved the work, but the business was a huge responsibility and I worried constantly. When small shops failed, our own revenue dropped. By 1994 it was hopeless and went into voluntary liquidation. My friends said I would be unemployable, not just because of my age but because I’d run my own business. However, I’ve been working as a registrar (a person who keeps official records of births, marriages and deaths) for the past three years. The original advert sought a mature, understanding person to deal with people from all walks of life, which was tailor-made for me! Although I miss my business, I’ve experienced two different careers, and it’s marvelous to have another job which needs genuine commitment.

used to own a company?

*studied while working?

*expects to earn more eventually?

*gets by on less money?

*took voluntary redundancy?

*travelled in her original job?

*like meeting people in her work?

*enjoys her new lack of routine?

*took some time to get on top of her work?

*now work from home?

*used to work in government?

*found their previous job stressful?

Now answer the questions about the women:

1. Why do you think Amanda felt increasingly discontented in her old job?

2. Why might Linda become demotivated?

3. In what context does Sue describe her salary as unimaginable?

4. How might Petra’s new life seem uncertain and insecure to some people?

5. Why did the fact that Helen had had her own business make her seem unemployable?

6. Why would an immature applicant be unsuitable for Helen’s job as a registrar?

Women’s work

Think about the types of jobs people have in Russia and thenmake two lists:

Present jobs: jobs which many women now do, but which their mothers did not do in the past.

Past jobs: jobs which their mothers’ generations used to do, but which few women do now.

And now note down three reasons why you think the changes have taken place.

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