1833 Classified Ads: Getting a Job

To BISCUIT BAKERS, etc.---- A young woman, 25 years of age, is about to leave one of the first shops in the city in the above line of business, where she has been confidentially employed upwards of 8 years, and is desirous of a similar engagement. Address, post paid, to xxxxx.

A young person of respectability wishes for a situation as FIRST HAND DRESSMAKER, she is capable of taking the management of a business, having lived these last ten years is several of the first houses of the west end. No objections to the city. Address, post paid, to xxxxx. (She is saying she will step down from the west end and take work in the old part of London called the City. One wonders why. There is also no mention of references even though she has been working for families.)

As COOK and HOUSEKEEPER to a single gentleman, a steady person who has been accustomed to that situation, can bear confinement, and be well recommended. No objection to where no other is kept, can go into the country, or engage with a respectable female in a genteel way of business. Wages not so much an object as a comfortable situation. Direct, post paid, to xxxxx.

Brewery---America----A gentleman, 44 years of age, who filled the department of brewer in one of the first porter breweries in London, in which he was afterwards a partner, is desirous of undertaking the management of a brewery in America. Address, post paid, to xxxx.

CLERK AND TRAVELLER about town---WANTED, a steady man who is acquainted with the lead, xxx, and window glass business. Security will be required. Apply W.W., Waterloo Place, Limehouse.

THE NIECE OF A NAVAL OFFICER, in whose family she has for some time been in residence, is desirous of obtaining a SITUATION as COMPANION to a lady, and who would have no objection to educate two or three children. The advertiser, having resided two years in France during the period of her education, may be of advantage to any lady wishing to travel who is unacquainted with the French language. A small remuneration only would be required, and the most excellent references given. Address, post paid, to C. C. post office, Southend, Essex. (Note: I think there is an interesting story behind this one!)

WANTED, UPPER NURSE, COACHMAN and HOUSEMAID. The upper nurse, a middle-aged person who thoroughly understands the management of children, and has been accustomed to an infant from the first month. Apply to Mr. Wright, opposite the church, Newtington-butts. (This appears to have been a large household with lots of turn over. Then again, maybe the coachman ran off with either the maid or nurse---or both.)

WANTED, to go to the South of Ireland, a GOVERNESS, middle-aged, and a native of France, competent to instruct a young lady, 10 years of age, in French, music, geography, arithmetic and writing. Apply at the Golden Cross Hotel for Mr. Wall, on the first and second of October, between 12 and 2 o'clock. (This one sounds as if it deserves the "I knew I forgot to do something before I bought the tickets" award.)

WANTED, as CLERK, a young man who writes a very good expeditious hand, and who perfectly understands accounts. Respectable references will be required. Letters post paid, stating terms, which must be moderate, to be addressed to xxxxx. (Translation: dull work, low pay.)

WANTED in a small family, a good PLAIN cook, where no man-servant is kept. She must not object to a little house work, and must make herself useful. No one above the age of 30 need apply, nor will any from an office be taken. A good character will be required. No followers allowed. Apply this day to xxxxx (Note: followers would be children, spouses. This family also did not want to pay the commission to an agency that placed household employees.)

A CLERGYMAN’S son, in the 29th year of his age, who possesses a competent knowledge of the classics and mathematics, is desirous of a LITERARY EMPLOYMENT. He would have no objection to travel, act as amanuensis or undertake the instruction of one of a small number of pupils in a family. For further particulars, apply xxxxx. (The "I flunked out of college but I'm a gentleman, darn it, and I want a job where I won't sweat" award.)

PARTIAL EMPLOYMENT WANTED--A gentleman, of good address, experienced in accounts, well acquainted with the French language, and who fills an appointment of great responsibility, but who has nevertheless a portion of his time unoccupied, respectfully OFFERS HIS SERVICES to any lady or gentleman as AMANUENSIS of ACCOUNTS, or as Secretary to a public or private institution. Highly respectable references can be given. Address, post paid, to A.Z. at Mr. Roberts’, 68, Chancery Lane. (The "I am a gentleman of some importance and should not soil my status by working for pay but my creditors are hounding me" award.)

Regarding those agencies, here is an ad for one that placed governesses. Note the last line and the implication that one could buy one’s daughter the introduction to the best circles:

GOVERNESSES SUPPLIED TO FAMILIES---Mrs. SMITH (successor to Mrs. Burns, established 30 years) begs to notify that she SUPPLIES ENGLISH and FOREIGN LADIES, of various acquirements, from nursery to commencing governess to those capable of finishing the studies of their pupils without the aid of masters. Also ladies who, by birth and education, are equal to the introduction of protegees into high society. All scholastic business transacted. Letters must be post free.---30 Alfred place, Bedford Square.