Upstairs Downstairs...?

[Szasz]

I am desperately looking for an in-road into becoming a butler, but at the age of 33 have probably left it a little late in the day... :-/

...After some searching I've found a couple of courses to try, but they are just SO pricy (�800 for a 3 day course, and just DONT ask about the 6 week course!), and as to the employment agencies if you dont have years of experience then they're not interested :-(

I've got the demeanour, patience and all-round skills to be up there with Jeeves - once I've got a foot on the ladder, that is. Any ideas where I can start??

Many, many thanks

Adam

[derekpara]

The age thing is irrelevent, the popular image of a butler is of a mature, discreet, sophisticated and wise man, so hopefully you have no worries there; go for it !

Unfortunately, I have nothing to offer regarding your lack of experience, except that if the you have the above qualities in abundance, they may get your 'foot in the door.'

Good luck, and I speak only as someone who has changed direction several times and found it true that as one door closes another opens and personal qualities will always shine through.

[Szasz]

Thanks Derek :-)

[derekpara]

You're welcome, Adam. Funny how some questions, usually the unusual ones, really get you thinking.

In the wee hours I remembered that an MC we used to have for our functions (Ivor Spencer) started a training school for butlers, which became very successful. Don't know if he's still around. But it occured to me that knowing Ivor, and the huge number of VIP functions he attended, that the hefty fee is sort of like 'key money' to put you in touch with a client. In other words, you are paying to get yourself recommended ! I wouldn't use the word 'bribe' but people are reluctant to give others the benefit of their experience Free of Charge. So it might be worth your while, in the long run, to go for a good course, pull out the stops to impress everyone, and get yourself recommended - the agency will, of course, get a commission when (not if, in your case) you are given a post. Best wishes. Derek.

[Szasz]

Derek, you are one connected fellow :-)

Mr Ivor Spencer, indeed one of the UK's finest instructors, is the very same gentleman who's 6 week course I have alluded to above. He is still at the fore of the service, has been awarded an M.B.E. and is Life President of the Toastmasters' Guild!

And he was in your employ??!! I am impressed :-)

Yes, the financial aspect is very much as you say - to be fair very little in this life comes without cost - hence the �6k course fee, which is more than worth the price tag given the long term benefits...

I am grateful for your support, and yes, I'll get there one way or another :-)

Many thanks again

Ad

[funnywebsite]

You often see live in housekeeper, caretaker positions.