The precious position of gentlewoman did not allow of very much in the way of a paying job.

Few gentlewomen would have seriously considered becoming a housekeeper. Not only was this hard work, but it was a huge step down socially. Among the servants, the housekeeper has high status,but among the gentry, she is nevertheless a servant, upper or not.

The position of governess was better but not attractive. The governess lived in a no-man's land of above servants but, because an employee, not equal to a gentlewoman. Many governesses did not eat or socialise with the family because they were considered unworthy of this honour, and not with the servants either because being usually the daughter of a gentleman, she could not. There were exceptions, of course, but being treated with respect and as a lady was not something the governess could dictate.

Charlotte would have no reason to consider this desperate step. Most men of independent means (even prosperous tradesmen) preferred supporting a spinster sister, no matter how much they grumbled about the expense, to the worse option of having a sister working for her living. It is clear that Charlotte's brothers are in this category - there is no mention of "Why don't you get a job, sister?" We just read of some grumbling about their future responsibility towards her.