I know, that was last weekend. For me, it is actually today….3 years ago I began a new job.
I have to admit that I have had an intermittent life in the labor force…my earliest job was babysitting and I met that with great joy as I worked for $.50 and hour – unless I was asked to do the dishes and then I, very diplomatically, explained my rates were $.75 an hour. My reputation got around in the babysitting circles with that expectation….
The next job I had was helping my daddy in his business by answering telephones, taking messages, pulling pricing sheets from the supply books, and when I got some “real” experience, I began to count the light fixture and receptacle symbols on plans when he would prepare a bid!!!! Now, those are some important and fine skills that have truly taught me some lessons in life – 1) Be kind to those who call, they are likely to pay money for the service you (daddy) offer; 2) Get accurate information from the caller – you cannot make an appointment with the wrong number to call back; 3) Pay attention to the details on the page to replace because it affects how he would price materials; 4) Advancement opportunities come along when one shows initiative; and 5) No greater joy than knowing my accurate counts help secure a better job for the good of the company.
In the world we live in today, it is most rare to hear of people who spend their entire careers with a business or organization. In fact, the statistics will reveal that people change jobs on average about every 5 years – I think this is also referred to as “climbing the ladder of success”. But, times have changed in our labor forces and between mergers and acquisitions; jobs shipped overseas; reduction due to more efficient ways of doing business; outsourcing – staying with any employment opportunity for the long term career “gold watch” status is almost unheard of.
My career as a Executive Secretary has seen its challenges along this journey…in fact, it started out as a “secretary” and has often been thought to carry with it some of the menial tasks that are done in the office. Through my years, I have seen greater expectations of the “secretary” and there have been some name changes to improve the perceptions of who and what we do….we have moved from being a “secretary” to Executive Secretary; Administrative Assistant; Executive Administrative Assistant; Personal Assistant in the Office of ?????
Over these years, our responsibilities have evolved, often requiring more technical knowledge than those we support. We are better time-managers – we mange ourselves and one (or 2 or 3) who often cannot figure out how to put paper in the printers, replace the staples, need directions from point A to point B or C; navigate through the airports; read the sign for their ground pick-up, etc. (better stop here with examples)!!! We have learned a great deal about confidentiality as we are often privileged with details of the highest level of information protection from sitting through meetings and taking notes/minutes. And, heaven forbid, if anything is leaked…….before the appointed time!
I had a sabbatical from the labor force when our daughters were coming through school. I did some part-time work but never engaged in the 40-hr work week until 3 years ago. As the girls got older and Paul’s career allowed, I traveled with him often – kind of a “personal assistant” to him at times. In spite of not being in the official “workforce”; it was thought/viewed as I was “rusty” as I began to seek full time employment 8 years ago. In spite of not being IN the workforce, per se; I remained active and involved and honed in skills that enhance my abilities as a secretary/administrative assistant.
Over these past 3 years in the office of the CEO and support of other executive team members; I cannot think of anything I have done from my earliest employment of babysitting and standing up for myself in the request of increase when I took on more duties of washing dishes and watching children; to the lessons learned with my daddy’s business; to the job experiences as a secretary, at all levels; that have been more useful to me in every aspect of life.
My organizational skills can be a little “high end” at times but it simplifies life for me and whoever I support. I have been a point person as a family member helping those navigate through medical situations; financial details; making calls for clarifications on insurance and various other issues that can be confusing, time consuming and just plain cumbersome. If I have learned anything, not everyone can multi-task or better yet “double task”!!!
This last year, I have been in transition with one CEO. These coming months, I am remaining in a period of transition as the new CEO arrives. I hope we can “blend and merge” our abilities to support the organization of daily work to fulfill the mission of the organization. I remain most grateful for the diversity this career path has provided for me and the value I can and gladly offer as a secretary!
Glad to celebrate year #3 ……
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