58 Yr Old Female Private Investigator Joins Success Ranks

[Robert Donovan]

http://www.ipiu.org/images/web/femalePI.JPG
What does New Castle private investigator Dorothy Snow-Wesley (who watches subjects under surveillance) have in common with the others in this article?

http://www.snh.net/images/0399_5.jpg
Caryn Gloyd (pictured 2nd from Left), a Newport investigator, spends most of her time reconstructing crime scenes and searching for missing people and assets around the world.

And Amanda Mowle, 24, dreams of making a career as a private investigator for a bank or the government. Mowle, who currently works full time at MBNA, says she is gaining experience in the field by working part time for a Wilmington private investigator.


Dorothy Snow-Wesley doesn't carry a gun, leap from helicopters or flirt her way to the solution of a crime like one of Charlie's Angels.

Snow-Wesley, a private investigator from New Castle, does background checks, reads depositions, conducts surveillance and tracks evidence. Most of her clients are insurance companies, corporations and law firms that want her to investigate insurance and workers' compensation fraud.

Being a female private investigator is fun, but not always glamorous. It is always hard work, often with long hours away from home and family.

"Surveillance can be long and boring," said Snow-Wesley, a former Chicago parole officer and police investigator. "But I love what I do. ... It's the mystery, solving problems, looking for answers and knowing you are doing good for the society in general."

Snow-Wesley, 58, is one of eight women who run private investigation companies in Delaware. As owner of Alpha & Omega Investigations Inc., she represents a rapidly growing part of the private investigation industry: women.

"Women are the fastest growing segment of private investigators in the United States," said Jimmie Mesis, editor in chief of PI Magazine, an industry publication with 30,000 subscribers in 20 countries.

Thirty years ago, there were only a handful of female investigators in the entire country. Today, women are penetrating the once male dominated world of the private eye. In Delaware, since 1994, the number of female private investigators who head their own companies has doubled from four to eight. The total number of private investigation firms has grown from 62 to 99.

Mesis estimates there are about 60,000 licensed private investigation companies in the country with about 40,000 employees who are not owners. He estimates 8 percent of investigators are women.

Former police officers, housewives, writers, paralegals, mystery shoppers employed by retailers and other women are increasingly finding opportunities in the industry. Mesis said women of all ages are joining the field.

"It's one of the few professions where there is no glass ceiling," said Kitty Hailey, 59, owner of Kitty Hailey Investigations in Philadelphia and author of numerous books on private investigation. "When I started there were a handful of women across the country. Now there are more and more."

It's a litigious society where workers' compensation and liability insurance claims are rampant. Terrorism has companies concerned about the safety of their workers and financial transactions. As a result, demand for private investigators is on the rise.

Private investigation is among the most rapidly growing occupations in the country, expected to increase 35 percent by 2012, according to the Department of Labor. And women are taking advantage of these opportunities.

"Fiction popularizes things - makes them sexy. But what we do changes people's lives," Hailey said. "We find dead-beat dads, find the missing child or do the work that the person on death row needs to be done to be exonerated before being killed by the state."

'A closed club'

Many of Delaware's private investigators run one- or two-person shops. About a quarter of them also run security services providing patrols and guards for local companies.

The average wage for a private investigator is $15.79 an hour or about $32,838 a year, according to the state Department of Labor. But experts say, depending on experience and type of cases handled, the salary of an established private investigator can exceed $100,000 a year.

Delaware has one of the strictest licensing laws for private investigators in the nation, requiring individuals to be at least 25 years old and have five years of law enforcement or managerial experience at a private investigation company before they can open their own company. An individual who is 21 years old can work for a licensed private investigator. Investigators licensed in other states cannot set up shop here without a Delaware license.

"It's a closed club," said Michael T. O'Rourke, 46, a private investigator in Wilmington, who handles everything from insurance claims to kidnappings and murders. "It is very tight. Everybody knows everybody."

Still, O'Rourke said it is not difficult for women to enter the field as long as they meet the state's qualifications.

For Amanda Mowle, a 24-year-old aspiring investigator from Elkton, Md., who currently works at MBNA Corp., the easiest way to gain experience was to work part time for O'Rourke.

"My ideal job would be an investigator for the current bank I work for or for the government," Mowle said. She now conducts surveillance, background checks, even profiles of jurors in criminal cases for O'Rourke.

For Mowle and some of the women who have chosen this career, there

seems to be unlimited potential for growth and independence once they are licensed.

"It's a hard area to break into," Mowle said. But she said obtaining a license allows an investigator to open her own business and be her own boss.

More than a 9-to-5 job

Caryn Gloyd, an investigator and operations manager for S&H Investigations in Newport, stumbled into the profession in the 1970s when she met, and later married, an investigator. At first, she worked mostly on insurance-related matters, but now spends most of her time overseeing on-going cases ranging from crime scene reconstructions to locating missing people and assets around the world.

"There are a lot of women, such as me, who do not have a college education," said Gloyd, 44. "We are still accepted in the field."

Gloyd said being an investigator is challenging for those who have young children. But she said it is an exciting field that has exposed her to people and parts of the world she never would have experienced working a 9-to-5 job.

For example, about four years ago Gloyd received a call from an Indian neurology student in Philadelphia who wanted to investigate his future bride's ability to pay dowry. The answer would be critical. There are hundreds of documented cases of brides murdered because they did not have the agreed dowry.

With some help with the World Investigators' Network, which Gloyd helped found, Gloyd was able to prove that the bride's family had assets in India, Belgium, Ireland, even in Zimbabwe. The wedding could take place.

"When you find the truth you are very pleased," Gloyd said.

The work is exciting

Most private investigators' assignments are not life and death cases.

A typical case handled by Snow-Wesley involves surveillance and conducting telephone pretext calls.

Often a surveillance begins as early as 5 a.m. and can last more than 10 hours. That is when you catch the individuals on workers' compensation who say they are not working but come back home from their night job. It's also a good time to discover a person's daily routine.

Snow-Wesley's company has saved insurance companies hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulent claims. For example, she and her investigators recently caught a man who claimed he was too ill to work and had received more than $50,000 in workers' compensation claims. All the while, he was working as a construction contractor. New Jersey is currently investigating the case, using some of the evidence collected by Snow-Wesley's investigators.

Snow-Wesley, who sometimes wears disguises and drives different cars, said she can't imagine doing something more exciting than being an investigator. To her team of seven investigators, she's "Mommy Charlie."

"I do love my work. I get excited like a child just before Christmas and it has been like that since I started," she said.

Full story here:
http://www.delawareonline.com/newsjournal/business/2004/11/07womensleuthsare.html

Sources: http://www.delawareonline.com/newsjournal/business/2004/11/images/108718.jpg http://www.delawareonline.com/newsjournal/business/2004/11/images/108720.jpg http://www.delawareonline.com/newsjournal/business/2004/11/images/108725.jpg

[Patricia Reagan]

Thank you Mr. Donovan for sharing that. It was nice to see a postive side in what was known as a Mans World.( other than Nancy Drew, or Murder She Wrote, I cant recall much about females in the investigation field years back)

[Tammy Elia]

Thanks Robert for sharing, that was interesting. It was also reasuring to know that there is a future for women and continuing success in the investigative fileds.

[B Ann Craig]

Robert, great story! Thank you for posting it. ;)

Have a wonderful week. Take care. :)

[Patti Schubert -]

Female Private Investigators

Robert,

It is good to know that women and (older women) have a chance in the investigation field. It is also good to know that you don't have to have a college degree to pursue this line of work. Hats off to all the women that follow their dreams. :)

Patti

[Carol Morrow -]

Robert,

What a wonderful and inspiring story, especially to those of us in the "50ish" age range.

The best part of it is that a woman can go into private investigating by means of "branching out" from their current professional career. The most amazing thing is that women are becoming involved in the field of private investigation simply by interest, circumstance or opportunity.

Thank you for sharing this.

[Leslie Stubbs-Hanks]

Robert,
Thank you. Such a wonderful story. This is really encouraging to hear such a positive story.

[Kristie L McKinley]

:) Thanks, Robert. That is an awesome story. I am re-reminded that I can create possibilites from anything! :D

[MaryJo Gillis -]

That was very inspiring! It's nice to read stories like that, it gives me more energy to get out there and make this career happen.

[Cassandra Pack]

Robert,

Thanks for the infomation. Its given me a shot in the arm to get back on track and put other things on hold to pursue this goal.

God bless,
Cassandra

[Lisa K Hentschel--]

:D I love this article! It's another piece of "evidence" to me that I can do this and be successful! Thank you Robert for the time & effort to share this.

Lisa

[Katrina Burton Todd]

I enjoyed reading this article it was very inspirational. I can't hardly wait for my paper work to finish processing so i can go out and experience first hand the energy and excitement of being a P.I. It was an impressive article thank you.

[Raymond A Kriegelstein Jr]

I enjoyed reading this article it was very inspirational. I can't hardly wait for my paper work to finish processing so i can go out and experience first hand the energy and excitement of being a P.I. It was an impressive article thank you.

I know what you mean katrina.. I'm waiting for mine to process as well....... I look forward to starting!!!

[Yolanda Hernandez]

Hello Robert,

I guess the older the merrier, we seem to have more patience, more understanding of the issues at hand, and we don't try to wrap it without first giving up.

Have a great afternnoon.

[Millie Peever]

Yolanda,

You are so right about being wiser upon being older. And the patience level is right up there to! Robert gives women hope and inspiration in this field.

[Cheri Beckwith -]

WOW Robert, :D The topic line attracted me to this thread and I am glad.
Thanks so much for the great article.
I am 56 going on 57 and can really appreciate this kind of positive reinforcement. ;)
Sometimes as you become more "Mature” woman or man, you wonder if maybe you need to be more conservative in your ambitions. :o
However; I have always said "age doesn't matter", if you are good at something you will be regardless.
Because you have the desire, motivation and initative to get it done, no matter, who, what, when, where, why or how. :D

I applaud these ladies for doing what they love and being proud of it. ;)
And I applaud you, Robert for your support and acknowledgement in their efforts. :D
"Kudos" to you Robert
Cheri

[Anthony L Zuluaga -]

Robert

Your posted article was very intriguing and very uplifting. It was definitely a good motivator for all of us here at IPIU. The main focus of the article was to show that women can succeed in this field, however there was another focus I found to be really important. The article really sheds light on the demands of the job. Folks have to be prepared both mentally and physically in order to reap the rewards of the profession. Although there are opportunities to make lots of money in this line of work (a notion I noticed has turned on many people to this field) I feel that personal fullfilment is the ultimate reward for me. I look forward to my future endeavors as an investigator.

[Melanie Vale]

Robert
Thank you for posting this story, it is really inspirational, and reinforces that age and gender don't have to hold us back from following our dreams. :)

[Wilson M Lorenzo]

Greetings!!!
This is fantastic reading!!! It's great reading about success in this line of work. It's motivating and makes you feel proud being a member of IPIU!!!!

[Kristen Godot]

Thank you so much Robert, for sharing such an inspirational article! I am so looking forward to becoming one of those successful female Private Investigators myself. The article once again put everything in proper perspective!

Take Care,

[Raymond A Kriegelstein Jr]

I agree Wilson, but there is just so much info on here it takes forever

[Leslie Stubbs-Hanks]

Thanks Robert, for sharing such a motivational article. That makes for encouragement to the members as we try to get on board and get our foot in the door (so to speak).

Leslie

[Eloisa Mooney]

It was meant to be that I came to this particular thread today. What a wonderful and inspiring article to help support women and older women who have chosen this career after being moms and working a full job in Corporate America. I pulled energy and comfort from this article that must have been needed by my spirit and soul today.

Thanks for posting it.

[Patrice-Maria Love]

This is an excellent story on women fulfilling their dreams in this profession and I intend to fulfill my dream as well! Thanks Robert!
Patrice-Maria

[Arthur Fields---]

The story regarding the 58 year old female investigator is very interesting. We all can learn from how she does her job. Arthur Fields

[Janet Normington]

Reading real life experiences like these is one of the best ways to learn about the PI field. It shows what can be achieved but also shows the hard work that is involved. This gives a realistic, well-rounded view of the job.

[Scott Coulon -]

Fantastic story, not only for women to hear, but men as well. This story lets us know that hard work and determination will pay off in the end if you put your heart and soul into what you're doing. Thanks for sharing Robert.

[Jessica Rose O'Bryan -]

Great article Robert. It is good to see that women are exceeding within the private investigation realm. This story serves as an inspiration for all women hoping to succeed in this field including myself. Thanks again.
-Jessica Rose

[Greg Ray]

This was a great article. I wonder how many women are involved in PI in Washington State. It would be interesting to know if there is a published list of statistics broke down per state.

Investigation, and facts don't lie, people do. This is what attracts me to this line of work. Solving situations has always been in my blood. I used to solve complex issues with computers, not I want to do it with people.

Take Care everybody!

[Debra Goff]

Robert,
............Thank You, for that wonderful and uplifting story. Reading that story was a great way to begin my day.

I think I'll read it again tomorrow morning. :)

Sincerely, Deb

[Marissa Grimes -]

WOW! Thank you so much for posting these stories! They are very encouraging (and I needed that today). It's great to know that not only is the field growing, but also the number of women in the field. I am inspired by these women. I so look forward to the next step in realizing my career goal!
Thanks again! :)

[Cindy Keenan]

That was a wonderful story and very reassuring for someone well you know in their 40's. Early 40"s of course!

[Jan Conklin]

"It's one of the few professions where there is no glass ceiling," said Kitty Hailey, 59, owner of Kitty Hailey Investigations in Philadelphia ...

Yay for that! I find it fascinating that in this field which has been historically dominated by men, there is less apparent bias and good-ol-boyism than in many other fields. Gotta be a good sign.

Onward & Upward [to us all]!!!

/jan

[Tiffany Eichor]

Thanks for this encouraging article, Robert. I'm still in the credentialing phase but hope to get started soon.

[Frederick Budde]

Robert,
............Thank You, for that wonderful and uplifting story. Reading that story was a great way to begin my day.

I think I'll read it again tomorrow morning. :)

Sincerely, Deb
I wish everyone would read that story; we'd have less questions about age, height, experience, male vs female, carry a gun or not, etc., etc.
There is room in the field for anyone who wishes to pursue this career choice, and at every level.

[Cheyenne Wolf]

Thank you Robert for this story. Those ladies were most definitely inspiring. Chey :cool:

[Michael Harris]

The very first private investigator I ever met was the mother of a young girl who was doing community theater with my daughter.

The woman made it very clear that PI work was, for the most part, dull and boring. Her work was stakeouts with still and video cameras. She said that it was long nights and little action. But she made a living doing that.

Her goal was to join the Camden County (NJ) Prosecutor's Office as an Investigator. That work was more stimulating and paid better. By the way, she got the job she wanted.

I learned a lot from here - mostly about stakeout photography.

[Kesha Nuss]

This is a very good article and it is nice to see that women are getting an equal opportunity for success. Way to go!!!

Kesha

[Frederick Budde]

The very first private investigator I ever met was the mother of a young girl who was doing community theater with my daughter.

The woman made it very clear that PI work was, for the most part, dull and boring. Her work was stakeouts with still and video cameras. She said that it was long nights and little action. But she made a living doing that.

Her goal was to join the Camden County (NJ) Prosecutor's Office as an Investigator. That work was more stimulating and paid better. By the way, she got the job she wanted.

I learned a lot from here - mostly about stakeout photography.

Michael;
Thanks for providing insight into the "bulk" of PI work. I still get the impression there are a lot of James Bond wannabees on the forums.

[Cheyenne Wolf]

How sweet and adorable are you with the James Bond comments. I am female and frankly haven't had a great look at my small feet since i was 14 looking straight down. I wonder what gets in the way? No James Bond on my end. Curious if any other women want to be James Bond? How adorable is this guy? AWWWW ;) SWEET :D If I need James Bond I' ll call you for backup. If thats ok ;) :)

[Frederick Budde]

How sweet and adorable are you with the James Bond comments. I am female and frankly haven't had a great look at my small feet since i was 14 looking straight down. I wonder what gets in the way? No James Bond on my end. Curious if any other women want to be James Bond? How adorable is this guy? AWWWW ;) SWEET :D If I need James Bond I' ll call you for backup. If thats ok ;) :)
Be my guest!
Seriously, Cheyenne, I've been reading the forums every chance I get (and responding when available), and I'm amazed at some of the questions posted here :eek: I've answered requests for the "best night vision sniper scope" and "radiation protective equipment" etc. If I have information, I'll respond to the best of my ability, hoping that the question is just posted out of curiosity. Unfortunately, it seems many people are still enthralled with the TV private eye, and don't realize the basic work that goes into being a "real" investigator.
I have to say I love your attitude, though, and hope to run into you on the forums :p Have a great day, and good luck with your career!

[Dixie Vaughn]

What great encouragement you have given me. Thank you! As a middle-aged woman starting a new career this was welcome reading. I look forward to getting started ASAP.

[Cheryl Ritchie]

Thanks for the story - it helped and encouraged me as I begin my new career in this incredible field.

I am so excited to get going in this previously male dominated field...move over Magnum PI - the women are invading the profession! :)

Thanks again!

Cheryl Ritchie
PI in Training :cool:

[Cheyenne Wolf]

Frederick Budde, thank you kindly for your response. I am hoping to run into you in the forums as well. Your answers let me know without a doubt your one special guy. Smart and a sense of humor. ;) If I ever needed a Bond type I think I would call on you. :D You are correct. It is hard for some to understand what it is really like having to get up early in the morning and sit around by someones house for hours just waiting to catch him leaving for work with his girlfriend for a divorce case and get the pictures can be a bit of a snooooozer. Only way to stay awake for me back then was lots of Hazelnut Coffeeeeeeee. :D See you in the forums :)

[Frederick Budde]

Frederick Budde, thank you kindly for your response. I am hoping to run into you in the forums as well. Your answers let me know without a doubt your one special guy. Smart and a sense of humor. ;) If I ever needed a Bond type I think I would call on you. :D You are correct. It is hard for some to understand what it is really like having to get up early in the morning and sit around by someones house for hours just waiting to catch him leaving for work with his girlfriend for a divorce case and get the pictures can be a bit of a snooooozer. Only way to stay awake for me back then was lots of Hazelnut Coffeeeeeeee. :D See you in the forums :)
Cheyenne;
I knew you were special, and was convinced when I saw that you are also a fan of flavored coffee :)

[Margaret Okin]

I enjoyed reading her story and it gives me the confidence to push forward, thank you.

[Cheryl Wilyard]

I don't think it's ever too late to start anything! I got my A.A.S. in Paralegal Studies last year at 42 years old and I'm currently working on my Bachelor's in Paralegal Studies. I work full-time for the federal government and I'm also looking into P.I. work. I think that if you want something badly enough and have faith in yourself and the perserverance to see it through, you'll make it.

[Kimberley Riccio]

Robert, Great job. :) We need more inspiring articles like that one. Finding great role models is challenging. You provided us with three in one article. Good Job. I look forward to seeing more articles about successful women investigators

kim riccio

[Christina Wier]

Awesome article. I found this to be very impowering. I also read that there was about only 8% of Women with this job field. Im hoping that with more articles like this will inspire women of any age range will pick this job field. I can honestly say that I picked the right job for me. Thanks a bunch for the article Robert. :)

[Margaret Okin]

I really enjoyed reading this story, and feel great that I am A women:)

[Harrison Cowan]

These stories just go to show that no matter what your age or sex, if you want to do something, you put your mind to it, and you reach for the stars. These stories are really good for us trainees trying to break in the business. I can tell you that these are so uplifting and inspiring to me. They keep me striving more more and more every time I read them. Thanks so much for posting these stories. Keep it up. Have a nice weekend

[Yolanda Hernandez]

Hello Forum Members,

As we continue to strive to become Private Investigators, It is a good thing to know that, others have put forth examples that we can follow. We have so much to learn and we can learn alot from leaders. In this field one learns something new everyday, you apply that technique to your knowledge, and you go out and be the best you can be and inspire others to follow their dream and at the same time to do something about it. Make it happen. And you will.

Have a great evening.

[Sandra R McGeorge -]

Hey!

They say that 50's are the new 40's... If that's the case, I'm all of: 15 (Not!) Hee, hee! :p

[Cheryl Bliton]

Thank you Robert for this inspiring article. There is hope for the baby boomers after all.

[Nichole Brooks -]

Thanks for the great story! It was very inspiring! It is good to know that women are not hindered by the glass ceiling in this profession.

[Cheryl Mason -]

Thanks for sharing this amazing story! I now know I'm not too old and I am more inspired than ever to become a Private Investigator! :D
Cheryl

[Paula Hatch]

Wonderful article! I really enjoy reading about people who have made their dreams come true and are showing the rest of us that it can be done. Thanks for sharing this inspiring information!

[Joy Gambrell -]

I found that article to be very inspirational. I'm a new comer. I appreciate your stories and your struggles and it gives me hope. Keep up the good work! good luck to all!

[Stormy Renner]

This is a wonderful story and truely gives hope and inspiration to us women who are starting out in this field. Dorothy is quite a great person and many thanks to her for helping to pave the way for us just starting out. God Bless :D

[Dan MacPhee]

Great article! Very inspirational, especially to us newbies!!!

[Anne McNeilley -]

I just wanted to say "Thanks so much for sharing that article!" I was starting to doubt my abilities for doing this type of work. I realize now that there is hope for all of us! Even those "Baby Boomers" like me who would probably pass out if I had to run a mile, or jump over fences. With technology as it is today, there is so much we can do.
Thanks for all the encouragement! :D

By the way... I just got my ID today! I am totally jazzed!:cool:

Putting one foot in front of the other...
Anne

[Judith Allen -]

Robert,
This was a very encouraging story. I am originally from Phila. and have lived in the Delaware area. This story was very close to home! I feel confident that the female PI does have a place in this field. :)

Thanks for a great story!

Judy

[Michael Harris]

Robert,
This was a very encouraging story. I am originally from Phila. and have lived in the Delaware area. This story was very close to home! I feel confident that the female PI does have a place in this field. ...
Judith,

The PI business is one place where men and women have equal access. Men may do better in some specialties and women in others, but I suspect that it balances out.

The first live PI I met was a woman. Our daughters were is community theater together. The PI did insurance investigations - cameras from a car. She said that it was dull and boring, but it was a stepping stone to the county prosecutor's office - she made it the next year.

[Nicole Leon]

Thank you for posting this as it really helps to guide me in seeing that I can do this. It is definitely the encouragement that I could use right now as I go into a career for PI work.

Thank you!:)

[Michael Harris]

By the way... I just got my ID today! I am totally jazzed!:cool:
Putting one foot in front of the other...
Anne,

You have the right attitude.

[Donna Coleman]

Very interesting and since I am ----years old that was a great article. I had always wondered what was the average age of a female PI.

[Michael Harris]

Very interesting and since I am ----years old that was a great article. ...
Donna,

If you have four dashes in your age, that means that you must be at least 1,000 years old. Or did I read that wrong?

I am still not quite 100.

[Donna Coleman]

forty something

[Michael Harris]

Donna,

Four dashes for forty-something. I did read it wrong.

At my age, you are still very young.

[Donna Coleman]

well sometimes putting out your correct age when it comes to certain things may and often does lead to discrimination in the workplace which is illegal, but it happens. It was great to read about one of our own doing so well and going strong at her age.

[Michael Harris]

Donna,

Only those between 40 and 70 are protected by age discrimination laws.

[Donna Coleman]

Thank you

[Michael Harris]

To All:

I know that we sometimes joke about the things we read here in the IPIU forums, but this story really inspires.

I have read about women in their 60s and 70s doing PI work, but they do the skip tracing and missing persons work from tiny offices. Getting out and doing surveillance after 40 is tough on the gluteus maximus, not to mention the bladder.

Besides, a woman at 58 is just approaching her prime.

[Donna Coleman]

I thought that was inspiring also. but I think prime is reached at 40 :) and at 58 if you can still hang out and do surveillance more power to you :)

[Michael Harris]

Donna,

Maybe you are right - 40 is closer to a woman's prime.

[Holly Krol -]

thanks its inspiring for old fogeys like myself to read this, at 48 starting a new career after spending the last 26 bringing up kids 7 being just a housewife who volenteered her time, to being a full time PI with 2 yrs under my belt now. i wish the best for all the folks here specially the ladies like yself in a field that for many years was mainly a mans field. look out guys,,,, we are growing in numbers!!!! (snicker)

[Michael Harris]

Goldie, et al,

I have mentioned this before in other threads in the IPIU forums, but not here.

The very first PI I ever met was the mother of one of the other performers in community theater. Since her daughter was about 8-years old, I would have placed her at no less than 30. I suspected that she was closer to 40 - just a bit younger than I was at the time.

This woman (with at least two children) was doing insurance fraud surveillance - sitting in cars with multiple cameras for endless hours. She did this work while waiting for an opening for an investigator in the county prosecutor's office.

Even at 40 (a woman's prime), this is not an easy job. If you drink coffee and Cokes, you have to pee a lot. If you cut back on the fluids, you get sick. See other threads for other details on the difficulties of stake-out work.

[Tracy Laabs]

What a wonderful post! This is a truly inspiring article.
As we all know, age is just a number to some. I am middle aged and have been "going for it" for some time.
It's really nice to see the presence of women in various different careers.

[Deborah Davis]

It is just nice to know that this career has no age limit. It is up to the individual how far they want to take their career and in what direction is best suited for them.

As for me, I rather agree with the former Mary Kay that if a woman will tell her age she will tell anything ... so mum is the word from this end!

[Holly Krol -]

deb i am not afrais to tell my age, i am 48, but i do not tell all.... i keep a lot to myself, age is a number.... some days i feel like a teen others like an old lady, most days somewhere in between.....

[Michael Harris]

Deborah and Goldie,

Interesting comments. I am less than 100.

[Donna Coleman]

I agree some days I feel young and other days I feel like 99 years old...but I have no problem with my age because I don't look it :) Yet

[Michael Harris]

Donna,

As long as I wake up in the morning alive, I do not care how old my birth certificate says I am.

[Jan C Dillard--]

Thank you Robert for the inspiring story. It's nice to know that PI work is non-biased.

[Lynn E Payne]

Thank you Robert for posting this story. It is deffinately an inspiration to alot of women wanting to get into this field. I for one appreciate what they do and have done.

[Carl Scheck -]

I have studied about women in one of my courses and they today are a big success for the fact that they are the least looking suspicious person and the least to be figured out. And that gives them the advantage to look the most innocent at there job. I plan on obtaining a woman when I become a P.I. just for that simple fact.

[Carol S Schwab -]

It seems great that there are more women in the PI field.
As a newbie, it is encouraging to know others have had great success.
Carol S Schwab:)

[Carl DeLancey]

I have two agents that are women and they are putting my male agents to shame. They have away of getting info that my male agents just can't get. I salute them.:)

[Carol S Schwab -]

Robert,

Thanks for the post. I like to read success stories about all people. It energizes me to work harder to realize my dream.

[Carol S Schwab -]

WOW! I love reading this kind of story! It show what hard work and perserverance will get you.:)